ENG
9322 visitors online
In 2026, Ukraine has been actively engaging in prisoner exchanges with Russia. President Zelenskyy announced preparations for upcoming exchanges, emphasizing continuous efforts to bring captured Ukrainians back home. Recent exchanges have included the return of civilians and military personnel, showcasing the ongoing negotiation process. Coordination Headquarters reported a significant number of prisoners have been returned, many held in Chechnya and Mariupol. Despite delays, Ukraine remains committed to the "all for all" exchange policy, ensuring no captive is left behind. Exchanges further reflect alliances with countries like Poland, exemplifying international cooperation in humanitarian relief.
Why are prisoner exchanges important in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
Prisoner exchanges represent a significant diplomatic tool in conflicts, facilitating the return of captured individuals to their homeland. These exchanges are vital in boosting morale, resolving humanitarian issues, and setting a precedent for communication between conflicting parties. Apart from the humanitarian implications, prisoner exchanges act as confidence-building measures that may pave the way for broader negotiations.
What challenges are involved in the exchange of prisoners?
Exchanges involve complex negotiations, requiring both parties to agree on terms, numbers, and logistics. Delays often occur due to differences in political or strategic objectives. The process may include verifying prisoners' identities, managing logistical hurdles, and ensuring international laws are respected. Tensions can rise when accusations of non-compliance or bad faith are made, complicating the negotiation process further.
How has Ukraine managed its prisoner exchange strategy with Russia?
Ukraine has adopted a strategic approach to prisoner exchanges, focusing on returning both military personnel and civilians. Negotiations are often conducted in tandem with allies like the US and EU, emphasizing global responsibility and cooperation. Kyiv persists with the "all for all" exchange philosophy, prioritizing the return of all citizens held abroad, regardless of their roles or circumstances.
What role do international allies play in these exchanges?
International allies provide diplomatic support, mediation, and logistical assistance in prisoner exchanges. Countries like Poland have shown active involvement, reflecting their vested interests in regional security. These collaborations not only facilitate successful exchanges but also help maintain pressure on parties to abide by humanitarian laws, emphasizing global commitment to human rights and conflict resolution.
What outcomes can result from successful prisoner exchanges?
Successful prisoner exchanges can lead to improved diplomatic relations, a reduction in hostilities, and a buildup of trust between conflicting parties. Such outcomes might lay the groundwork for further peace negotiations or other forms of diplomatic engagement. Moreover, these exchanges can offer emotional relief to families and strengthen national unity by demonstrating the government's commitment to protecting its citizens.
Videos news exchange
Ten defenders who were considered missing in action have spoken about their return from captivity: "I thought it was dream". VIDEO Ten Ukrainian servicemen, who had been officially listed as missing in action, have spoken about their experiences in Russian captivity, their release and the first few days after returning home. The stories of these defenders and their families have been compiled into a single video, recorded... 6 771 3 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity
Ukraine brings home soldier held in Russian captivity since 2017 in prisoner exchange: "Like dream, I can’t believe I’m home". VIDEO During today’s prisoner exchange, Ukraine brought home a soldier who had spent almost nine years in Russian captivity, having been held since 2017. 4 271 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchange takes place: Ukraine brings 103 soldiers home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 19 August 2026, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 4 605 17 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
This year, Ukraine has already returned 1,596 people from Russian captivity, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO Ukraine continues to bring people back from Russian captivity, including 1,596 people who have already been freed this year. 754 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange: 160 defenders have returned home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of prisoners of war. 160 Ukrainian defenders have been released. 5 126 27 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
As part of exchange, father and son who had defended Ukraine and were taken prisoner in 2022 were freed, - Lubinets. VIDEO A father and son, who had been held captive since 2022, have been released from Russian captivity as part of a prisoner exchange. 6 420 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out first stage of 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange: 205 defenders have been freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange. 8 555 29 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner exchange: 193 defenders released. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange. 5 750 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 11 April 2026, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 175 servicemen were released from enemy captivity. 6 647 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 300 defenders and 2 civilians were freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have completed the second stage of prisoner exchange. Three hundred Ukrainian defenders and two civilians have returned to their homeland. 5 204 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
200 Ukrainian soldiers freed from Russian captivity. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war, with 200 Ukrainian defenders being returned. 7 773 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
157 defenders and civilians returned from Russian captivity as part of exchange. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS As part of the prisoner exchange, Ukraine returned 157 soldiers and civilians. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022. 6 861 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner swap: 185 defenders freed. VIDEO+PHOTOS On October 2, Ukraine brought back another group of prisoners of war from Russian captivity. 6 592 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 84 people, including military personnel and civilians, freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. They managed to free 84 people, both military and civilians, from Russian captivity. 4 639 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
New talks with Russia in Istanbul are planned for Wednesday – Zelenskyy. VIDEO In a video address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new meeting with the Russians in Istanbul. 4 287 72 Previously in trend: Negotiations in Turkey
Eight stages of large-scale prisoner exchange have taken place since beginning of June: hundreds of Ukrainian heroes are home - Zelenskyy. VIDEO Since the beginning of June 2025, eight stages of a large exchange of prisoners of war with Russia have taken place, as part of which hundreds of Ukrainians have returned home. 1 837 18 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners. Military personnel and civilians are returning, - Zelenskyy. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war. 6 587 47 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
SSU releases exclusive video of POW swap on June 20. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) released exclusive footage of a prisoner swap that took place today, June 20. 2 685 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 3 277 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Severely ill defenders returned from Russian captivity in latest exchange – Coordination Headquarters. VIDEO&PHOTOS. 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. 3 807 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange: most of defenders had been in captivity since 2022. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 9 004 21 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
There is agreement that prisoner exchanges will continue next week, - Zelenskyy. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that prisoner exchanges would continue next week, at least this is the agreement. 934 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Zelenskyy’s address
Defenders liberated from captivity have injuries and health problems, most of them are Mariupol defenders, most of them are officers - Coordination Center Today, the next stage of a large exchange of prisoners in the category of "wounded and seriously ill" took place in accordance with the agreements in Istanbul. 3 373 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Fourth prisoner exchange in week takes place - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 14 June 2025, another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. 6 487 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
SSU releases exclusive footage of June 12 POW swap. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has released exclusive footage of the prisoner exchange that took place today, June 12. 4 644 28 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy on POW swap: Among those returned are soldiers held since 2022 and those previously listed as missing. VIDEO In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the latest stage of the POW swap process. 1 827 13 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy’s address
Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill soldiers. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine and Russia have conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 5 361 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 6 767 8 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine
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. 6 003 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Father of girl who was recently returned from occupation was also freed from captivity. VIDEO The father of a girl who had recently been returned from the TOT was released from enemy captivity. 4 232 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 7 177 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Exclusive SSU video following first stage of "1000-for-1000" POW swap. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has released exclusive footage following the first stage of the "1000-for-1000" POW exchange. Another 390 Ukrainians have been freed from Russian captivity. 5 407 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
1,000-for-1,000 exchange to take place soon, date already set – Umerov. VIDEO Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that during negotiations with the Russian side in Istanbul, the issue of a prisoner swap in a "1000-for-1000" format was discussed. 3 562 16 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia Negotiations in Turkey
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. 13 230 20 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Most of soldiers returned from Russian captivity today are young people born after 2000, - Coordination Centre. PHOTOS Most of the soldiers who were brought home from Russian captivity on Saturday, 19 April, are young people born after 2000. 6 505 30 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine returns 277 soldiers from Russian captivity. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, on 19 April, Ukraine returned another 277 defenders from Russian captivity. 12 853 25 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 14 015 22 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine is ready to hand over its captured soldiers to DPRK if Kim Jong-un organizes return of Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity - Zelenskyy. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to hand over its soldiers to DPRK dictator Kim Jong Un if he can arrange an exchange for our soldiers held captive in Russia. 10 028 80
As part of today’s exchange, Ukrainian journalist Roman Borshch returned: he was held in Russian captivity for 33 months During the exchange of prisoners on December 30, former journalist of the Espresso TV channel and Mariupol defender Roman Borshch returned home. 7 302 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 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. 7 698 21
Ukraine returns 189 defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On New Year's Eve, 30 December, Ukraine returned 189 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. 11 997 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine returned 95 defenders from Russian captivity - Zelenskyy. VIDEO Ukraine has released 95 soldiers from Russian captivity, including Azovstal defenders. 11 528 23 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Vast majority of soldiers liberated today were held captive from first days of invasion, - Lubinets. VIDEO Today, 14 September 2024, another 103 Ukrainian soldiers returned home. For the second day in a row, prisoners of war have been exchanged. 6 350 12
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. 10 522 31 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Budanov announced principles by which negotiations on release of prisoners will be conducted. VIDEO The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov announced the principles on which negotiations for the release of prisoners will be conducted. 17 404 46 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukrainian soldier escorts two captured occupiers near Chasovyi Yar: "F#ckers! You’re lucky!". VIDEO A video showing a Ukrainian soldier escorting two captured occupiers near Chasovyi Yar in Donetsk Oblast has been posted online. 9 740 15 Previously in trend: War
First calls home from Ukrainian prisoners released yesterday: "Honey, everything is fine, I’m home". VIDEO A video has been posted online showing footage of the first phone calls home of Ukrainian soldiers released from captivity yesterday. 3 474 5 Previously in trend: War
49 National Guard soldiers, 25 border guards, 26 Armed Forces servicemen returned home - Coordination Center. VIDEO The 51st prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. 3 129 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
Page 1 of 2
more video
