Russia and Ukraine have conducted a new prisoner of war exchange, in line with the agreement reached last month in Istanbul, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced, RKS News reports.
The exact number of prisoners released was not disclosed, but videos released by Russian media show approximately 15 Russian soldiers returning to Moscow-controlled territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine regained both soldiers and civilians, most of whom had been held by Russia since 2022. He emphasized that talks will continue with the aim of securing the release of all Ukrainian citizens still detained by Russia.
In June, both sides agreed to release prisoners under the age of 25, severely wounded captives, and to return the remains of fallen fighters.
Since peace talks resumed in May, under Turkish mediation and amid growing calls for diplomacy following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there have been no major breakthroughs. The date of the third round of negotiations remains unclear.
