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The year 2025 has witnessed significant developments in the exchange of prisoners and bodies between Ukraine and Russia, focusing on humanitarian efforts to repatriate fallen soldiers and release captives. These exchanges have been frequently reported, with more than 10,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers returned from the front lines. Notable exchanges involved high-profile individuals, such as former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and journalists Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush, who were released from Russian captivity. The exchanges, which included military personnel and civilians held since 2022, reflect ongoing negotiation efforts, often facilitated by meetings in Istanbul. These humanitarian acts aim to bring relief to affected families and demonstrate Ukraine's commitment to fulfilling agreements despite challenges in negotiations and logistical obstacles. With talks continuing, both countries strive to honor their commitments and facilitate further exchanges.

How many fallen soldiers' bodies have been repatriated to Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine has successfully repatriated over 10,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from various front sectors. These efforts are part of broader humanitarian agreements with Russia, aiming to honor and bring closure to the families of the deceased.

Who were among the key figures released in the latest prisoner exchanges?

The latest exchanges included notable figures such as former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and journalists Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush. Such exchanges highlight the significance of ongoing negotiations and the humanitarian focus of these efforts.

What is the current state of prisoner exchange talks between Ukraine and Russia?

Prisoner exchange talks between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing, with recent meetings in Istanbul setting the stage for future negotiations. These talks aim to address the release of thousands of prisoners and the repatriation of soldiers' bodies, reflecting a complex yet hopeful diplomatic process.

How often have exchanges of prisoners occurred between Ukraine and Russia in 2025?

In 2025, numerous exchanges of prisoners have taken place between Ukraine and Russia, involving military personnel and civilians. These exchanges have been facilitated by high-level negotiations and aim to resolve long-standing issues related to detainees and deceased soldiers.

What challenges face the negotiations for prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia?

Negotiations for prisoner exchanges face several challenges, including discrepancies in lists of detainees, logistical hurdles, and the need for mutual agreements on the terms and conditions of exchanges. Both sides seek to overcome these obstacles to achieve humanitarian outcomes.

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тандит Process of transferring 15 people to Russian militants about to complete, - SBU head adviser Tandit Ukraine continues its efforts aimed at releasing its prisoners from the self-proclaimed Donbas republics. 8 367 118 Ukrainian Politics

геращенко Militants demand to release 700 their accomplices in exchange for 50 Ukrainians, - MP Iryna Herashchenko The list of those, whom the militants demand to release, includes murderers and other high-level criminals. 80 098 374 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian government to transfer 15 women and persons with health issues charged with offenses against state to Russian militants in Donbas, - SBU Ukrainian government intends to release 15 militants’ accomplices in the coming days. 20 128 65 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Biden supports Ukraine’s decision to unilaterally release 15 militants The United States hopes Ukraine's intention to free 15 militants will give Russia a boost in terms of implementation of the Minsk agreements reached in Belarus in February 2015. 8 439 70 Incidents

савченко Savchenko claims agreeing with militants on "four for one" prisoner swap Ukrainian MP Nadiia Savchenko says she has reached an agreement with militants on a "four for one" prisoner exchange. 132 106 606 Previously in trend: Savchenko's talks with militants

беркут Russia offered to exchange ex-Berkut officers Zinchenko and Abroskin accused of Maidan murders, - Dzerkalo Tyzhnia Russia at least twice appealed to the Ukraine with a proposal to exchange the former "Berkut" riot police officers Pavlo Abroskin and Serhii Zinchenko accused of killing activists during the Maidan protests. 45 772 101 Previously in trend: Investigation of crimes against Maidan

грицак Captured deserters may be put on prisoner swap list, - SBU's Hrytsak Two former Ukrainian servicemen Oleksandr Baranov and Maksym Odyntsov, apprehended at the Crimean border on Nov. 20, may be added to the list of persons that can be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners held in the terrorist-controlled territory. 16 034 56 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Chances to liberate Ukrainian political prisoners from Russia pretty poor, - Feygin None of the political prisoners who are held hostage by the Kremlin are planned to be swapped or released in the near future. 4 743 32 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

суд москва сущенко "We hope Kremlin will agree to exchange Sushchenko for Viktor Pavlenko arrested in Rivne," - lawyer Feygin Russian leadership might agree to exchange Moscow-detained Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko for Viktor Pavlenko, who was apprehended in Rivne suspected of espionage. 23 732 44 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

SBU's Hrytsak on prisoner swap: "We are ready to give three for one" Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Hrytsak says is ready for unequal exchange to release Ukrainian hostages. 4 358 26 Ukrainian Politics

тандит Pro-Russian militants confirm holding 47 Ukrainian hostages, - SBU adviser Tandit Pro-Russian terrorists have areas in the Donbas unknown to SBU where they hold Ukrainian hostages. 3 294 4 Ukrainian Politics

сущенко Sushchenko could only be released through exchange, - lawyer Feygin The Kremlin-held Ukrainian journalist might be exchanged for the Russian spy recently detained in Rivne, Ukraine. 9 847 88 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Ukrainian consul still not allowed to see detained journalist Sushchenko, - lawyer Feygin Lawyer Mark Feygin was not able to see Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko yesterday, held by the Kremlin in Lefortovo prison. 2 582 18 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Separatists at Minsk talks demand swapping 45 Ukrainian hostages for 600 militants, - Iryna Herashchenko Representatives of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” demand to exchange 45 Ukrainians they are holding for more than 600 militants arrested for violent crimes. 30 701 156 Ukrainian Politics

Terrorists confirm 47 Ukrainians held captive in occupied Donbas, - SBU Ukraine is ready to exchange POWs by the "all for all" formula. 5 185 49 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Fate of each Ukrainian hostage held in Donbas is decided in Kremlin, - SBU adviser Tandit 107 Ukrainian citizens remain in captivity of "DPR/LPR", including 64 military, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says. 4 895 29 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Militants hold 107 people hostage, 10 political prisoners kept in Russian prisons, - MP Iryna Herashchenko Russian militants confirm they still hold in captivity 45 people from the list of hostages submitted by the Ukrainian authorities. 2 236 17 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

митинг савченко ап богачук Protesters near Presidential Administration demand faster Ukrainian prisoners swap. PHOTOS+VIDEO A rally has gathered near Presidential Administration building in Kyiv with demands to accelerate the release process of Ukrainian POWs and political prisoners. 100 771 664 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Militants revealed whereabouts of 45 Ukrainian prisoners, - Tandit Representatives of the self-styled "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" have provided information about the whereabouts of 45 Ukrainian prisoners. 10 247 4 Ukrainian Politics

180 people from militants' swap list refuse to return to "DPR" and "LPR", - Tandit The prisoner swap lists offered by militants include people who have never been captured by Ukrainian defense and security authorities, as well as mere criminals. 60 512 75 Ukrainian Politics

плен Militants refused to swap 25 Ukrainian hostages for 50 separatists, - Iryna Herashchenko Militants of the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" refused to exchange 25 Ukrainian hostages, illegally held in the temporarily occupied territory, for 50 their fighters. 23 840 116 Ukrainian Politics

плен Militants block release of hostages, demand amnesty for 600 criminals, - Iryna Herashchenko Militants claim holding two dozens of hostages in the "DPR" and one dozen in the "LPR". Meanwhile, 112 Ukrainians are staying in captivity, according to the Ukrainian side. 34 531 91 Ukrainian Politics

плен освобождение михаил кучевский Engineer unit soldier of Ukrainian Army Kuchevskyi released from militants' captivity, - Adviser to Defense Minister Budyk. PHOTOS Adviser to Defense Minister Vasyl Budyk informed of release from the militants captivity of a soldier from an engineer unit of the Ukrainian Army Mykhailo Ivanovych Kuchevskyi. 38 615 32 Society

Ukraine starkly raised question of hostages. Swap lists handed over, - Olifer on Trilateral Contact Group meeting results The security situation in the Donbas does not improve but, on the contrary, radically deteriorates. 13 049 36 Ukrainian Politics

Hlishchinska, Didenko were long turned by Russia, worked for it, - MP Anton Herashchenko Recently released from Russian captivity Hennadii Afanasiev and Yurii Soloshenko were exchanged for Olena Hlishchinska and Vitalii Didenko that have long been recruited by the Russian Federation. 27 102 68 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Several formulas of hostages exchange, including two-for-two and 25-for-50, currently discussed, - adviser to SBU chairman Several options of exchange of hostages are discussed prior to the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group to settle the situation in the Donbas, which will be held in Minsk tomorrow, June 15. 2 779 8 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

заложники Political prisoners Afanasiev and Soloshenko to be returned to Ukraine today, ZN's sources from Presidential Administration say Two Ukrainians Hennadii Afanasiev and Yurii Soloshenko, illegally kept in jails by Russia, are expected to be returned home Tuesday, June 14. 22 337 53 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Negotiators on Donbas to tackle prisoner swap on June 1, - Kuchma Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of situation in the Donbas will address the issue of prisoner exchange at the meeting on June 1. 2 467 6 Incidents

савченко шимонович Savchenko discussed liberation of prisoners with UN Assistant Secretary-General Šimonović. PHOTO MP Nadiia Savchenko met with Ivan Šimonović, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. 39 925 111 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

грушник "Will you return to Donbas? - No," - conversation with Russian GRU officers before swap. VIDEO (in Russian) Captive Russian GRU officer Yerofeyev gave interview before being exchanged for Ukrainian pilot Nadiia Savchenko. 139 216 198 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

геращенко ирина Positive news about two more Ukrainian political hostages expected by end of May, - MP Herashchenko Ukraine is expecting positive news about two more Ukrainian political hostages by the end of May 2016. 7 543 33 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Putin signs decree on pardon for Savchenko, - Peskov Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on pardon for Ukrainian aviatrix Nadiia Savchenko. 42 486 127 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

савченко Plane with Savchenko landed at Boryspil airport, - Poroshenko. PHOTOS (updated) The plane with Ukrainian deputy Nadiia Savchenko has landed at Boryspil international airport (the Kyiv region). 172 688 549 Ukrainian Politics

александров ерофеев Aleksandrov, Yerofeyev landed in Vnukovo airport, - Gazeta.ru (updated) The plane with Russian GRU officers Alexander Aleksandrov and Yevgeny Yerofeyev has landed in Vnukovo airport. 75 907 188 Ukrainian Politics

самолет Plane with Savchenko may arrive at one of three airports. Decision to be made before landing, - MP Ihor Lutsenko The aircraft with Nadiia Savchenko may arrive at Boryspil, Zhuliany, or an airfield near Kyiv. 28 964 98 Ukrainian Politics

савченко Savchenko left for Kyiv, - Reuters (updated) Ukrainian servicewoman Nadiia Savchenko has left Rostov-on-Don for Kyiv at the Ukrainian presidential aircraft. 115 141 379 Ukrainian Politics

"I'm approaching Rostov airport, will have important news about Savchenko soon," - lawyer Novikov Ilya Novikov, lawyer of convicted in Russia Ukrainian pilot and MP Nadiia Savchenko, is currently in Rostov-on-Don and promises to report important news within two hours. 29 291 112 Previously in trend: Captured Russian special forces operatives Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Savchenko might be in Kyiv after noon, - Interfax-Ukraine sources People's Deputy of Ukraine Nadiia Savchenko, who allegedly should be exchanged for GRU officers Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Alexander Aleksandrov in Rostov-on-Don, might arrive in Ukraine today. 18 135 69 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

александров ерофеев Yerofeyev, Aleksandrov taken to Rostov for Savchenko swap, - Russian Interfax sources The plane of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is about to arrive at the airport of Rostov-on-Don (Russia), where GRU officers Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Alexander Aleksandrov will be exchanged for Ukrainian MP Nadiia Savchenko. 58 052 188 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

"Pure blackmail." Militants refuse to swap Ukrainian hostages before amnesty, - Iryna Herashchenko Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker, Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group on the Donbas Iryna Herashchenko says militants refuse to exchange Ukrainian hostages before they are amnestied. 21 389 169 Ukrainian Politics

Savchenko's rendition provides for possibility of swap based on political talks, - Minister Petrenko The legal procedure of transferring Nadiia Savchenko stipulates the possibility of exchange on the basis of political negotiations. 3 310 37 Ukrainian Politics

All Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia should be exchanged under Minsk accords, - Foreign Ministry's Kuleba All Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia and Crimea should be exchanged under the Minsk agreements. 6 498 41 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Terrorists thwarted negotiations on freeing captives by Easter, - Iryna Herashchenko Trying to ban Iryna Herashchenko from entering Belarus is a result of Kremlin's desire to distract the world from the release of captives. 12 297 44 Ukrainian Politics

Ukraine gave "DPR" list of 25 hostages, ready to swap them for 50 militants, - MP Iryna Herashchenko Ukraine suggests swapping 25 "DPR"-held hostages for 50 militants before Easter. 5 357 33 Ukrainian Politics

Chances for Savchenko's release before June 50-50, lawyer Feygin says Lawyer of Ukrainian pilot Nadiia Savchenko Mark Feygin said that the chances for her release prior to June are 50-50. 4 831 32 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

савченко Savchenko asks Justice Ministry to launch her transfer to Ukraine, - Minister Petrenko. DOCUMENT (in Ukrainian) Ukrainian pilot, Verkhovna Rada deputy Nadiia Savchenko asks the Ministry of Justice to start the procedure of her transfer to Ukraine, stipulated by the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. 37 020 93 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Agreement to return Savchenko in Ukraine reached at level of US president and German chancellor, - Tymoshenko The leaders of several countries have reached an agreement that Batkivshchyna MP Nadiia Savchenko, sentenced in Russia to 22 years in prison, will soon return to Ukraine. 13 969 82 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

"Putin doesn't care a straw for Yerofeyev and Aleksandrov," - Polozov on possible exchange of Savchenko Nikolai Polozov, the lawyer of Ukrainian pilot Nadiia Savchenko illegally held in the Russian Federation, believes that Vladimir Putin is holding her for another reason that exchanging for GRU operatives Yevgeniy Yerofeyev and Alexander Aleksandrov. 33 201 147 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia