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Ukraine and Russia continue to engage in complex hostage exchanges as a key negotiation strategy amid ongoing tensions. Recent reports highlight Russia transferring some citizens convicted of criminal offenses to Ukraine as part of prisoner swaps. These exchanges have not only facilitated the return of soldiers and civilians but also prominent figures such as the former Kherson mayor, Volodymyr Mykolaienko, shedding light on the human stories underlying these political maneuvers. The exchanges, often involving hundreds of individuals, are meticulously negotiated, with discussions taking place on international platforms like Istanbul. Despite challenges, these humane efforts underline the ongoing commitment to bring hostages back home, addressing both strategic and humanitarian concerns. In this high-stakes environment, each swap represents a significant breakthrough in a persistent geopolitical struggle.

What are the key factors in recent prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia?

The key factors involve negotiations that result in prisoner exchanges between both nations, allowing the return of soldiers and civilians held captive. High-profile exchanges include the release of figures like former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko. These operations are deeply strategic, involving international mediation efforts, particularly in Istanbul. The emphasis remains on reaching humane resolutions amidst ongoing conflicts.

Who are some important figures recently released in Ukraine-Russia exchanges?

Among recent releases, notable figures include the former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and journalists like Dmytro Khyliuk. These releases not only highlight the complex nature of hostage exchanges but also spotlight the human stories amidst geopolitical tensions. Such exchanges are critical in addressing both personal and political stakes involved in these negotiations.

How has the humanitarian impact been addressed in recent hostages' negotiations?

Humanitarian considerations play a crucial role in the negotiations, focusing on returning seriously wounded and ill individuals to their families. Efforts to organize these exchanges are often mediated internationally, striving to uphold human rights and ensure the safe return of as many hostages as possible. These humane efforts reveal the broader humanitarian concerns in ongoing geopolitical negotiations.

What is the significance of Istanbul in the Ukraine-Russia hostage exchanges?

Istanbul serves as a significant mediation platform for Ukraine and Russia, facilitating crucial negotiations for prisoner exchanges. These negotiations often detail the logistics and lists for exchanges, making it a vital diplomatic hub in finalizing agreements crucial to fostering peace and humanitarian efforts. The city's role underscores its geopolitical importance.

Are there specific formats or agreements in place for these prisoner exchanges?

Yes, formats like the "1000-for-1000" exchange illustrate structured agreements reached between Ukraine and Russia. These frameworks allow for systematic exchanges, aiming to ensure the return of equal numbers of hostages, prioritizing those who are wounded or young, thus emphasizing a strategic and humanitarian balance in these dealings.

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News hostages

Mykolaienko on Russian captivity Former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko on Russian captivity: They beat us and fed us just enough so we wouldn’t starve to death. We picked nettles to get at least some vitamins Former Kherson Mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko has lost 25 kilograms while in enemy captivity. 1 772 5 Previously in trend: Russians hold former mayor of Kherson captive

DIU "We don’t take prisoners, shoot them," commander of occupiers gives order to execute captured Ukrainian soldiers. AUDIO Another war crime of the occupation army was recorded by Ukrainian intelligence officers. In an intercepted conversation, the commander of a Russian unit gives an order to execute captured Ukrainian servicemen. 6 434 38 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs

The FSB actively uses the families of prisoners for PSYOPs Russians use relatives of captured and missing soldiers to gather intelligence and carry out special tasks Russian special services are actively hunting down the families of captured and missing Ukrainian military personnel. 741 2 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs Ukrainians in Russian captivity

Prisoner exchange. Who is Russia giving up besides the military? Russia sometimes transfers citizens convicted of common criminal offenses to Ukraine as part of prisoner exchange, - Deputy Prosecutor General Leshchenko As part of prisoner exchanges, Russia sometimes transfers citizens convicted of general criminal offenses to Ukraine. 1 506 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Mykolaienko on Russian captivity Do not exchange us for territory – former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko. VIDEO Former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko, who recently returned from Russian captivity, spoke at a farewell dinner for Andrii Parubii in Kyiv. 5 355 7 Previously in trend: Murder of Andrii Parubii

Border guards in the Pokrovsk direction captured Russians Border guards captured nine occupiers in Pokrovsk direction, - State Border Service of Ukraine. VIDEO On 24 August, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, soldiers of the rapid response of border commandant's office of the Chernihiv border detachment repelled another attack by Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 6 318 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Azov soldiers describe what is happening in the Pokrovsk direction Reconnaissance troops of 1st Corps of NGU "Azov" captured ruscists who killed Ukrainian soldier: situation in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Reconnaissance men of the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna" captured a group of Russian occupiers. 16 756 14 Previously in trend: Russian assault on Pokrovsk direction Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

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. 7 025 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. 7 961 38 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukrainian soldier killed at the front line a few days before his father’s return from captivity Soldier killed in battle few days before his father’s return from three years in Russian captivity. PHOTO The sad news came from the Zaporizhzhia sector: a soldier, Yaroslav Boichuk, son of the famous Mariupol defender Oleksandr Boichuk, was killed while performing a combat mission. 5 118 7 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

War Captured Russians spoke about failure of offensive on Pokrovsk and inhumane conditions in Russian army. VIDEO Three Russian soldiers — Artem Smirnov, Sergey Morgunov, and Eldar Zakiev — were captured by Ukrainian defenders during combat operations near Pokrovsk. They were part of different small assault groups, but they all ended up in the same place. 8 323 14 Previously in trend: Situation at front

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. 4 268 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

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. 4 685 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. 6 125 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Umerov Over 1,200 people to participate in humanitarian exchange between Russia and Ukraine – Umerov The delegations of Ukraine and Russia at the negotiations in Istanbul discussed the next stages of prisoner and civilian exchanges. 1 612 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Negotiations in Turkey

headquarters, coordination, coordination center Ukrainians released from captivity will be able to help establish places of detention of prisoners - Coordination Center The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has launched a feature that allows released Ukrainians to help identify the whereabouts of other prisoners. 476 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainians in Russian captivity

occupiers, prisoners 24th Brigade soldiers capture paratroopers of Russia’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar. PHOTOS Soldiers of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo captured paratroopers of the Russian Federation’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region. 8 929 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

war Russians fighting for Ukraine captured African mercenary in Zaporizhzhia direction. VIDEO Fighters of the "Freedom of Russia" legion, fighting on Ukraine’s side, captured a 29-year-old Nigerian who was sent to war by the Russian authorities after being threatened with imprisonment for drug trafficking. 6 119 21 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Skala regiment fighters captured occupiers Nine captured Russian soldiers. Failed attack by occupiers on Dnipropetrovsk region. VIDEO The "Skala" regiment's assault fighters captured nine Russian Armed Forces soldiers in two days of fighting. The Russian military tried to gain a foothold beyond the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, but thanks to decisive actions and good planning, the "Skala" fighters managed to defeat the enemy. 6 732 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Butusov Plus

A marine’s barehanded fight with the occupier Ukrainian marine Kharkevych recounts capturing occupier: "I’m sitting in pit, and one of bodies runs past in front of me. I hit him in nose with my rifle butt and dragged him in towards me". VIDEO During a hand-to-hand fight, he captured a Russian soldier and thwarted at least 10 assaults by the Russian army. In May 2025, 27-year-old marine Vasyl Kharkevych from the village of Maleve in the Rivne region received the "Golden Star" Hero of Ukraine from Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hands. 5 995 7 Previously in trend: Awarding the title Hero of Ukraine

war "Joy" of freed captive occupiers turned out to be staged. VIDEO Another exposé of the Russian propaganda machine has been posted online - a draft video showing the staged emotions of Russian soldiers released from captivity during the exchange. 28 444 76 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Zelenskyy’s address 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. 753 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Zelenskyy’s address

prisoner exchange 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. 3 120 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

occupier Captured by Ukrainian Armed Forces, occupier admits to being satanist – returned to Russia in POW swap. VIDEO While Kremlin propaganda claims that Russia is waging war in Ukraine "for the Orthodox faith," some occupying soldiers in its own army turn out to be satanists. One of them, Danil Sergeevich Garan, was captured by Ukraine’s Armed Forces and returned to Russia as part of a prisoner exchange on June 9. 6 947 26 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange on June 10 All Ukrainian defenders liberated today have serious injuries and serious illnesses - Coordination Center Today, on June 10, the first stage of the exchange of prisoners in the category of "seriously wounded and seriously ill" took place in Istanbul under the agreements with Russia. 4 132 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Captive Ukrainians Unidentified persons call relatives of our prisoners and urge them to appeal to international organizations and White House - Coordination Center Another wave of calls to relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war has been recorded. Unidentified persons introducing themselves as "representatives of the Russian authorities responsible for the exchange" are trying to exert pressure and manipulate the trust of the relatives of our defenders. 1 396 4 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. 5 825 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Ukraine and Russia begin prisoner exchange – Who was released first? Umerov on POW swap: Phased return of specific categories of POWs planned Today, June 9, 2025, the first stage of a large-scale POW swap took place as part of the agreements reached in Istanbul. 1 657 9 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia to exchange prisoners on June 9, 2025 Mariupol defenders who spent more than 3 years in captivity are among those liberated today - Coordination Center Today, June 9, 2025, the first stage of the prisoner exchange took place under the agreements in Istanbul. 3 767 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Russia has still not provided complete lists of more than thousand prisoners whose exchange was agreed in Istanbul, - Zelenskyy Russia has not yet provided full lists of more than a thousand prisoners of war, the exchange of which was agreed upon in Istanbul. 2 648 22 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap Ukraine and Russia agree on preliminary timeline and mechanisms for new POW swap – DIU During negotiations held in Istanbul on June 2, Ukraine and Russia reached an agreement on a new prisoner exchange. Specifically, the sides coordinated the timeline and mechanisms for implementation. 1 121 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap on 24 May Ukraine and Russia agree to exchange all severely wounded POWs and individuals under 25 – Umerov During the second round of talks in Istanbul on June 2, Ukraine and Russia agreed on new prisoner exchanges under the "all for all" format, focusing on specific categories: the severely wounded and seriously ill, as well as youth aged 18 to 25. 4 288 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Negotiations in Turkey

President of Ukraine Zelenskyy Zelenskyy after talks in Istanbul: New exchange of prisoners of war is being prepared After the Turkish-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a new exchange of prisoners of war is being prepared. 2 596 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Negotiations in Turkey

Locations in Russia where Ukrainian prisoners are being held have been identified 186 locations where Ukrainian prisoners are being held in Russia have been identified, where representatives of Red Cross and other monitoring missions are not allowed, according to Coordination Headquarters Russian special services have created fake organisations that imitate humanitarian missions in places where Ukrainian prisoners are held. As a result, international human rights organisations are not allowed to visit Ukrainian prisoners. 675 1 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs

Kursk Ukrainian Armed Forces captured 971 Russian occupier during Kursk operation - General Staff During the Kursk operation, the Ukrainian military captured 971 Russian occupiers. 2 217 31 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap UAF operation in the Kursk region

U.S. President Donald Trump Trump leaked secret of major prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia - Politico Despite strict secrecy, U.S. President Donald Trump was the first to make public the details of the large-scale prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia that was to take place on May 23. Publicity could have jeopardized the safety of the prisoners and disrupted the operation. 15 193 63 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange on May 24 We do not forget about those who are still waiting. Everyone is important, - Umierov about today’s exchange of prisoners Today, another 307 Ukrainians were released from Russian captivity. This is the second stage of the exchange under the agreements reached with the Russian side in Istanbul. 1 043 9 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. 6 971 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Kellogg responded to the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia on May 23 Prisoner exchange is the most positive result of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul - Kellogg US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg, reacted to the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia under the first stage of the "1000 for 1000" formula, which took place on May 23. 730 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Negotiations in Turkey

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Prisoner swap was only meaningful outcome of meeting in Türkiye. Russia is blocking everything else, says Zelenskyy. VIDEO The large-scale prisoner exchange based on the "1000-for-1000" formula, the first stage of which took place on May 23, was described by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the "only meaningful outcome" of the negotiations in Türkiye. According to the Head of State, Russia is blocking everything else. 2 408 31 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap on 23 May "Hi, I’m alive and well": first calls from Ukrainian soldiers to families after release from Russian captivity. VIDEO Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity under the first stage of the large-scale "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange are calling their loved ones for the first time after their release. 3 345 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Umerov Umerov on 1000-for-1000 exchange: Lists were formed based on one criterion — to save lives The first stage of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place today. As part of the agreement, 390 Ukrainian citizens have returned home. 1 893 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW exchange on May 23 Ukraine brings home 270 service members and 120 civilian Ukrainians – Coordination Headquarters On May 23, the first day of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange, 390 Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity – 270 military personnel and 120 civilians. 9 007 21 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. 10 852 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine hands over list for "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange to Russia Ukraine has already handed over "1000-for-1000" exchange list to Russia – DIU Ukraine has submitted a list of names for a planned "1000-for-1000" prisoner swap. The list has already been handed over to the Russian side. 1 591 4 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy on planned "1,000 for 1,000" swap: We’re verifying information on every name President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced preparations for a large-scale prisoner swap with Russia in a "1,000 for 1,000" format. 1 271 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner swap on April 19 Step-by-step plan agreed for implementing 1000-for-1000 prisoner swap – Umerov On May 19, 2025, during a briefing to the President of Ukraine, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov provided a detailed report on the results of the talks in Türkiye and Ukraine’s next steps. 909 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Peace negotiations

SSU starts preparations for exchange of 1000 for 1000 people SSU starts preparations for "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange The Joint Center for the Coordination of the Search and Release of Prisoners of War at the Security Service of Ukraine has already begun preparations for a large-scale exchange of prisoners in the "1000 for 1000" format. 1 345 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap