Latest POW Exchange Signals Ongoing Tensions Between Ukraine and Russia

On Friday, Russia and Ukraine carried out a swap of captured military personnel, according to officials, representing the most recent exchange following diplomatic discussions held in Istanbul earlier this month.

«The Russian servicemen were returned from areas under the control of the Kyiv regime. In return, a number of Ukrainian prisoners of war were released,» the Russian Defense Ministry stated in a report.

The specific number of soldiers involved in the swap was not revealed by either party. During the Istanbul negotiations, both nations agreed to facilitate the exchange of over 1,000 soldiers who are wounded or ill, including those younger than 25.

A video published by Russia’s Defense Ministry showed the returned soldiers chanting «Russia» while wrapped in their national flags.

Numerous prisoner exchanges have occurred since the onset of the conflict.

Russia has dismissed appeals for an unconditional ceasefire and continues its military operations in eastern Ukraine. Moscow insists that Kyiv must give up additional territory and reduce its dependence on Western military assistance as conditions for any ceasefire agreement.