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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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Exchange Among those released from captivity on 24 August were former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko and journalists Khyliuk and Kaliush. PHOTOS As part of the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and journalists Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush were returned home from Russian captivity on 24 August. 6 931 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Exchange Another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. PHOTOS On Sunday, 24 August, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Soldiers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service and civilians are returning home to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Most of them have been in captivity since 2022. 7 905 38 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange on 14 August 2025 What is known Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 84 people, including military personnel and civilians, freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. They managed to free 84 people, both military and civilians, from Russian captivity. 4 240 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Zelenskyy, Umerov and Yermak Zelenskyy discussed with Umerov and Yermak preparation of new meeting in Istanbul: There is agreement on exchange of 1,200 prisoners. PHOTO Today, 3 August 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the negotiation track with NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and Head of the Office Andriy Yermak, including the implementation of the agreements of the meetings with the Russian side in Istanbul and the preparation of a new meeting. 2 614 38

Prisoner exchange on 23 July Last defender of Zmiinyi Island has been returned from captivity - Coordination Headquarters. PHOTO During today's prisoner exchange, the last defender of Zmiinyi Island returned to Ukraine. 4 662 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap Ukraine and Russia carried out prisoner exchange. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders return home – Zelenskyy. VIDEO&PHOTOS On July 23, a POW swap took place between Ukraine and Russia. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders were returned home to Ukraine. 6 098 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners on 4 July 2025 Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners. Military personnel and civilians are returning, - Zelenskyy. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war. 6 388 47 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine returns two bodies of deceased soldiers with military IDs to Russia Ukraine returns two bodies of deceased soldiers with military tags to Russia - Klymenko. PHOTOS The Ukrainian side, within the framework of humanitarian principles and agreements, repatriated two bodies of dead Russian soldiers with Russian Armed Forces badges on them. 2 655 7 Previously in trend: repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers

Ukraine held a new prisoner exchange with Russia on 26 June Ukraine and Russia carry out new POW swap: most defenders held captive since 2022. PHOTOS On June 26, a new group of Ukrainian prisoners of war was returned from Russian captivity. 6 680 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

PACE resolution PACE called on Russian Federation to continue prisoner exchanges in "all for all" format. PHOTO The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe calls on the international community to support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the speedy exchange and release of all prisoners of war. 607 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

In 2025, Russia handed over the bodies of its soldiers to Ukraine 20 times In 2025, Russia has already handed over bodies of its dead soldiers to Ukraine 20 times, - National Police. PHOTOS The National Police of Ukraine has confirmed 20 cases of repatriation of the bodies of Russian soldiers that Russia handed over to the Ukrainian side in 2025. 2 304 5 Previously in trend: repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers

rf passport Russia handed over bodies of at least 20 of its soldiers to Ukraine, sometimes with Russian passports, - Zelenskyy. PHOTO Russia has handed over to Ukraine at least 20 bodies of Russian servicemen during recent repatriation events. 3 500 14 Previously in trend: Returning bodies of fallen defenders

Prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on 20 June All defenders released as part of today’s exchange have injuries or severe medical diagnoses, - Coordination Headquarters. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, on 20 June, another stage of a prisoner exchange in the category of "severely wounded and seriously ill" took place. In accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul, another group of defenders with serious injuries and significant health problems were returned from Russian captivity. 3 044 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia have carried out a prisoner exchange on 20 June 2025 Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange. AFU soldiers, National Guard and SBGS were freed. PHOTOS For the second day in a row, Ukraine and Russia have carried out an exchange of prisoners of war. 4 825 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on 19 June Severely ill defenders returned from Russian captivity in latest exchange – Coordination Headquarters. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 19 June, another stage of the major prisoner exchange in the "seriously ill and wounded" category took place in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul. 3 474 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners on 19 June 2025 Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange: most of defenders had been in captivity since 2022. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 8 740 21 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

repatriation Bodies of 1,200 more victims, including defenders, have been returned to Ukraine, according to Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS Today, on 15 June 2025, repatriation activities continued in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul. Another 1,200 bodies, which the Russian side claims belong to Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel, were returned to Ukraine. 3 261 21 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine Returning bodies of fallen defenders

prisoner exchange Fourth prisoner exchange in week takes place - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 14 June 2025, another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. 6 198 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

repatriation Bodies of another 1,200 dead, including military personnel, have been returned to Ukraine, according to Coordination Headquarters. PHOTO Today, on 14 June 2025, another stage of repatriation activities took place in Istanbul as part of the agreements reached in Istanbul. Ukraine received another 1,200 bodies, which, according to the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel. 7 289 28 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

exchange, 12 June Some of Ukrainian soldiers released today were considered missing in action, - Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS The next stage of the large prisoner exchange under the Istanbul agreements took place. The Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the Airborne Forces, Navy, Air Force, TDF, USF, as well as the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard of Ukraine, returned to their homeland. 4 444 2 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Soldiers are returning home. Prisoner exchange completed Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill soldiers. VIDEO&PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine and Russia have conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 5 184 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

The bodies of fallen defenders returned to Ukraine Bodies of fallen soldiers brought back to Ukraine – SSU releases photos and video of repatriation. VIDEO+PHOTOS The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has released exclusive photos and videos from repatriation efforts conducted on June 11, during which the bodies of fallen Ukrainian defenders were returned home. 6 592 8 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

exchange of bodies of defenders Bodies of 1,212 fallen defenders have been returned to Ukraine, - Coordination Headquarters. PHOTO As a result of the repatriation activities, the bodies of 1212 fallen defenders were returned to Ukraine. 7 653 21 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Prisoner exchange on 10 June Ukraine brings back seriously wounded and injured defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On 10 June, the second group of prisoners of war returned to Ukraine. Severely wounded and seriously ill Ukrainian defenders returned home from Russian captivity. 8 184 19 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

war Security Service of Ukraine releases exclusive footage of POW swap. VIDEO+PHOTOS On June 9, Ukraine carried out another prisoner exchange. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) released exclusive photos and videos from the event, capturing emotional moments of Ukrainian defenders returning home. 5 812 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Anatolii Taranenko, traitor Coordination Headquarters explained release of traitor Taranenko from captivity: Ukraine did not influence Russian lists, law enforcement agencies will deal with him. PHOTO As part of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange, Anatolii Taranenko, a Ukrainian soldier who in 2021 probably defected to Russia, was released from enemy captivity. 10 446 36 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

86 servicemen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs returned from captivity. 86 servicemen of Ministry of Internal Affairs were returned as part of "1000 for 1000" exchange - Klymenko. PHOTOS As part of a large-scale 1000-for-1000 exchange, 86 servicemen from the Ministry of Internal Affairs were released from Russian captivity. 1 769 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

prisoner exchange Third stage of "1000 for 1000" exchange: Ukraine returns 303 defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS Today, 25 May 2025, the third stage of the 1000-for-1000 prisoner exchange took place. Ukraine returned another 303 servicemen from Russian captivity. 6 065 37 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange on 24 May Second stage of "1000 for 1000" exchange: Ukraine returns 307 defenders. PHOTOS On 24 May, another 307 Ukrainian servicemen returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. This is the second stage of the 1000-for-1000 exchange. 6 966 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap on 23 May First day of major POW exchange: 390 Ukrainians return from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On May 23, 390 Ukrainians returned home from Russian captivity. This marks the first phase of the prisoner exchange under the "1000-for-1000" format. 10 841 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

"1000-for-1000" prisoner swap. Zelenskyy holds meeting Zelenskyy holds meeting on preparations for "1000-for-1000" prisoner swap. PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on preparations for the exchange of prisoners of war. 1 103 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

MIA, exchange Forty servicemen of Ministry of Internal Affairs were released from Russian captivity – Klymenko. PHOTOS On 6 May, another POW exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Among those released from captivity were 40 servicemen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 2 279 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW exchange on 6 May Ukraine brings back 205 soldiers from Russian captivity (updated). VIDEO&PHOTOS On May 6, 2025, another POW exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place. 12 989 20 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange on 19 April Ukraine returns 277 soldiers from Russian captivity. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, on 19 April, Ukraine returned another 277 defenders from Russian captivity. 12 594 25 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

6 soldiers of the 12th Azov Brigade returned from captivity Six Azov Brigade soldiers returned from Russian captivity as part of today’s swap. PHOTOS As part of the POW swap that took place on Wednesday, 19 March, six soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the Azov National Guard were released from Russian captivity. 7 608 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Azov fighters returned from Russian captivity

POW swap took place on 19 March. Ukraine returns 197 soldiers Ukraine brings back 175 POWs and 22 severely wounded defenders. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine brought back 175 POWs from Russian captivity, as well as 22 severely wounded defenders. 13 820 22 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

The exchange of prisoners took place on 5 February 2025 Ukraine returns 150 soldiers from Russian captivity (updated). PHOTOS Ukraine returned 150 defenders from Russian captivity. 13 667 29 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine returns 25 people from Russian captivity Ukraine returns 25 military and civilians from Russian captivity, - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Ukraine returns 25 military and civilians from Russian captivity 6 222 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War

Coordination Center on the exchange of prisoners of war on December 30 One of largest exchanges since beginning of full-scale invasion took place today, 173 privates and sergeants and 14 officers were released - Coordination Center. VIDEO&PHOTOS On Monday, 30 December, 189 citizens were released and returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among those who returned are prisoners of war in the Kursk region, civilians, and National Guardsmen from the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. 7 524 21

189 Ukrainians returned from captivity on New Year’s Eve Ukraine returns 189 defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On New Year's Eve, 30 December, Ukraine returned 189 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. 11 768 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Yevhen Matveev Russians tortured mayor of Dniprorudne Matveev in captivity, his body was handed over during last exchange. PHOTO The Russian occupiers tortured the mayor of Dniprorudne, Zaporizhzhia region, Yevhen Matveev, in captivity. 12 697 16

повернення з полону Ukraine returned 95 defenders from Russian captivity - Zelenskyy. VIDEO Ukraine has released 95 soldiers from Russian captivity, including Azovstal defenders. 11 408 23 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

51 працівник системи МВС повернувся з полону Among released prisoners today are 51 employees of Ministry of Internal Affairs - Klymenko. PHOTO Today, 103 Ukrainian soldiers, including 51 police officers, returned home as part of the exchange. 3 952 10

звільнені полонені Today’s prisoner exchange was organized by UAE, - coordination headquarters. PHOTOS Today, 14 September 2024, another prisoner exchange took place. It was organised with the help of the United Arab Emirates. 2 869 4

звільнені полонені Another 103 Ukrainian soldiers returned from Russian captivity, - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, on 14 September, Ukraine has returned over a hundred more servicemen from Russian captivity. 9 456 38

Із російського полону визволено 49 громадян України 49 soldiers and civilians are released from Russian captivity, including "Azovstal" defenders - Zelenskyy. VIDEO&PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the release of 49 Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity. 10 366 31 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Україна повернула з російського полону 115 воїнів Ukraine returns 115 defenders from Russian captivity (updated). PHOTOS On 24 August, Independence Day, Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war. 115 Ukrainian soldiers returned home. 21 325 86 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War

До США прибули американці, звільнені в рамках обміну з РФ Large-scale exchange of prisoners between West and Russia: plane with Americans landed in USA. PHOTOS A plane carrying US citizens released in Russia as part of a major exchange landed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington. 10 507 42

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