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The ongoing prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia represents a significant development in the bilateral negotiations between the two nations. The "1000-for-1000" exchange format aims to release large numbers of prisoners from both sides, serving as one of the most critical outcomes of diplomatic efforts. However, challenges persist as not all groups, such as the Azov soldiers, are included in these exchanges. Ukrainian officials emphasize the importance of these operations, underscoring their commitment to bringing home those held in captivity under the auspices of ensuring their citizens' rights and safety. The diplomatic talks in Türkiye and subsequent exchanges provide a glimmer of hope for families waiting for their loved ones' return amidst continued geopolitical tensions.
When is the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia expected to take place?
The prisoner swap under the "1000-for-1000" format has been ongoing with several stages completed as of 2025. Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners in large numbers, reflecting their diplomatic engagements. Each stage is carefully planned and executed, resulting in hundreds of prisoners being returned to their respective nations.
How many prisoners have been released as part of the "1000-for-1000" exchange?
As of the latest stage of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange, hundreds of individuals have been released from captivity. This includes numerous soldiers and civilians who have been detained throughout the conflict, signifying a substantial humanitarian outcome amidst ongoing tensions.
Why are certain Ukrainian soldiers excluded from the prisoner exchange lists?
Certain soldiers, such as those from the Azov Regiment, have been excluded from recent exchanges despite efforts. Their exclusion is attributed to Russia's negotiation stance and geopolitical calculations, which complicate the inclusion of all groups in the lists agreed upon by both nations.
What role did international diplomacy play in the prisoner swap negotiations?
International diplomacy, including negotiations in Türkiye, played a pivotal role in facilitating the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange. Through these diplomatic channels, Ukraine and Russia established agreements that have led to several successful exchanges, showcasing diplomacy's impact in achieving humanitarian goals.
Are there any conditions that Russia is said to violate during the prisoner swap?
While the prisoner swaps have been conducted successfully, there are reports that Russia does not always honestly fulfill the conditions during the exchanges. This highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring full compliance with the terms agreed upon in the negotiations, requiring continuous monitoring and diplomatic engagement.
What specific challenges have arisen in the recent prisoner swaps?
Specific challenges in recent prisoner swaps include navigating the complexities of negotiating lists, addressing public perception in both countries, and ensuring the safe and fair release of all intended detainees. The complexities are heightened by geopolitical tensions and the intricacies of war-related diplomacy.
What is the significance of the prisoner swaps for Ukraine and Russia?
The prisoner swaps are significant for Ukraine and Russia as they represent a humanitarian achievement and a rare diplomatic success amid ongoing conflict. These exchanges help mitigate the humanitarian crisis, providing relief to families expecting the return of their relatives and a potential step towards broader peace negotiations.
w117_header_alt 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. 670 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
76th prisoner exchange: among those released are 115 defenders of Mariupol, Coordination Headquarters says. PHOTOS As part of today’s 76th combined prisoner exchange, 115 defenders of Mariupol returned from Russian captivity. 2 127 3 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. 5 053 27 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Budanov announced exchange of prisoners of war "in next few days" Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President, announced that a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia will take place in the near future. 752 2 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine has already returned more soldiers from Russian captivity than are still in captivity, - Lubinets The number of Ukrainian defenders who have already been released from Russian captivity currently exceeds the number of servicemen who remain in captivity. 1 107 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Among 33 Azov servicemen released today, only two are defenders of Mariupol – Prokopenko During today’s prisoner exchange, 33 servicemen of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) "Azov" returned to Ukraine. At the same time, only two of them are fighters of the separate special purpose detachment "Azov" who defended Mariupol. 3 912 10 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. 6 311 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange: 185 Ukrainian defenders have been returned to their homeland. PHOTOS 185 Ukrainian defenders have been freed from Russian captivity as part of a prisoner exchange. 4 962 19 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Russia disrupts agreements, but you will see new prisoner exchange in near future, Budanov says The Russian side is delaying and sabotaging the implementation of agreements on a large-scale prisoner of war exchange in the "1,000 for 1,000" format. However, despite the Kremlin’s position, another stage in the return of Ukrainian defenders home is expected soon. 695 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Russia proposed exchanging abducted Ukrainian children for Russian prisoners of war, - Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia had offered to exchange abducted Ukrainian children for Russian prisoners of war. 1 760 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Abduction of children by Russia
20 Azov fighters return from Russian captivity as part of exchange During today’s first stage of the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, 20 servicemen of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov" returned home from Russian captivity. 2 746 9 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Azov fighters returned from Russian captivity
Almost all of soldiers released today from Russian captivity had spent four years in captivity, - Coordination Headquarters As part of the first phase of the prisoner exchange—a 1,000-for-1,000 swap—Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel returned home, including members of the Navy, Army, Airborne Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, and Air Force, as well as soldiers from the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border... 3 222 8 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. 8 480 29 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Moskalkova, who coordinated prisoner exchanges with Ukraine for Russia, leaves post Russia’s State Duma has appointed Yana Lantratova as the new commissioner for human rights. Tatiana Moskalkova, who coordinated prisoner exchanges with Ukraine, has left the post after 10 years in office. 1 970 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is being prepared, Coordination Headquarters has handed over lists to Russian side, – Zelenskyy A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis is being prepared. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters has already handed over lists of 1,000 people to be exchanged to the Russian side. 3 002 18 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy confirms three-day ceasefire with Russia and POW swap, thanks Trump for diplomatic involvement As part of the US-mediated negotiation process, Russia has agreed to hold a POW swap in the format of 1,000 for 1,000. A ceasefire is also to be established on May 9, 10 and 11. 8 935 129 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia Zelenskyy about ceasefire
Ukraine preparing new prisoner exchanges – Zelenskyy Ukraine continues preparations for new prisoner exchanges with Russia, with documents and lists already prepared and negotiations ongoing. 867 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Most prisoners returned today were illegally held in Chechnya – Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS Today, the 73rd prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. It became a continuation of the Easter exchange and the implementation of the relevant agreements. 3 688 3 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. 5 688 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchange will take place in the near future, - Budanov Another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia is due to take place in the near future. 1 758 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
400 traitors convicted of collaborating with occupiers have publicly stated their wish to move to Russia, — ’Khochu k svoim’ project As of April 15, 2026, the website of the government project "Khochu k svoim" (ed. "I Want to Be with My People") already features 404 profiles of convicted collaborators who wish to leave for Russia on the condition that Ukrainians are returned from Russian captivity. 4 887 26 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Disclosure of collaborators
Severe psychological distress, injuries and illnesses: Lubinets spoke about civilians released from Russian captivity. PHOTOS Today, as part of the exchange, in addition to military personnel, seven Ukrainian civilians were released—civilians whom the Russians had effectively abducted from their homes. 3 872 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Coordination Headquarters on exchange: most of those freed are defenders of Mariupol. Twenty-five officers whom the Russian Federation had refused to hand over have been returned. PHOTOS Today, on the eve of the joyous Easter holiday, the 72nd prisoner exchange took place. As a result of the negotiation process, 175 Ukrainian servicemen and 7 civilians have been returned from Russian captivity. 4 814 10 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. 6 556 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Large prisoner exchange possible on Easter – Budanov Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, expressed hope that a new prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine will take place on Easter, 12 April. 1 864 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
More than 8,000 Ukrainians returned from captivity over four years – Coordination Headquarters Over four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, 8,050 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity. 585 1 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. 5 144 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
On 6 March, swap of 300 POWs with Russia is expected – Coordination Headquarters Tomorrow, 6 March, a swap involving 300 military prisoners of war with Russia is expected. 1 145 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Today’s prisoner exchange is first stage agreed in Geneva – Budanov On March 5, the first stage of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. 2 464 10 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. 7 726 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchange may take place this week, - Budanov The head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, suggested that an exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia could take place this week. 567 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy announced new POW swap in near future Following the Ukrainian-Russian negotiations in Geneva, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects that a new POW exchange may take place between the countries in the near future. 1 053 4 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia will continue, - Zelenskyy Following negotiations between delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that prisoner exchanges would continue. 645 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Lubinets met with Moskalkova: they discussed issue of returning civilians On the day of the prisoner exchange, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets met with Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova. 1 746 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Waited more than three years: father learns his son has returned from captivity. VIDEO On Thursday, February 5, 157 defenders returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among the service members who came home was the son of Ivan Roman. The father had been waiting for his son to return from Russian captivity for more than three years. 4 788 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Four Azov fighters return from Russian captivity after nearly four years in captivity On February 5, Ukraine managed to bring back four servicemen of the 12th Azov special forces brigade and five servicemen of the 15th Kara-Dah brigade after four years in Russian captivity. 4 123 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Azov fighters returned from Russian captivity
Defender Nazar Daletskyi returns from captivity after being presumed dead for over three years. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS During today’s prisoner exchange, defender Nazar Daletskyi returned to Ukraine. He had been presumed dead since September 2022. 10 093 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Youngest defender released from captivity turns 23: he was taken captive at 19 As part of another prisoner exchange, 150 service members and seven civilian Ukrainians have returned to Ukraine. 2 980 6 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. 6 786 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine, Russia and US agree to exchange 314 prisoners, - Witkoff Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months. 2 098 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
POW exchange between Ukraine and Russia expected soon – Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a prisoner-of-war exchange in the near future amid talks in Abu Dhabi. 1 477 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Zelenskyy’s address
Russia has halted prisoner exchange process, - Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian side had halted the prisoner exchange process because it was not involved in it. 2 597 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy: Russia derailed POW swap agreed in late 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has postponed the agreements reached in late 2025 on a prisoner-of-war exchange. 2 012 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Turkey discuss security situation and return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity, Umerov says National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Rustem Umerov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the security situation and the return of Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity during a meeting in Ankara. 925 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Role of Turkey in peace talks
In 2025, 10 exchanges were carried out, 2,080 military personnel and 230 civilians were returned from captivity, - Coordination Headquarters The current year, 2025, has been a record year in terms of the number of Ukrainian people who have been returned home from Russian captivity. 423 0 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Within framework of peace process, Ukraine insists on formula of "all for all" exchange, - Lubinets Within the framework of the peace process and humanitarian track, Ukraine insists on the return of all its citizens—prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and deported children. 518 4 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Returning children from occupation
Ukraine and Russia agree to resume agreement on exchange of 1,200 prisoners, - Umierov Ukraine and Russia have agreed to activate the Istanbul agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war. This involves the release of 1,200 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. 2 349 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Combined exchange: Ukraine brings back 185 servicemen and 20 civilians, most held captive since 2022 – Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS Today a combined prisoner exchange was carried out. A total of 185 Ukrainian servicemen and 20 civilians were freed from Russian captivity, some under agreements reached in Istanbul, others as part of the 69th regular exchange. 2 950 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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