Russia, Ukraine conduct another prisoner exchange

Russia and Ukraine have carried out another prisoner exchange as part of the agreements reached during negotiations in Istanbul on June 2.

According to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, a group of Russian servicemen was returned on July 4 from Ukrainian-controlled territory, Caliber.Az reports. 

The ministry stated that in return, a group of Ukrainian prisoners of war was handed over to Kyiv.

The Russian servicemen have been transferred to the Republic of Belarus, where they are currently receiving medical and psychological assistance. The Ministry added that all the returned personnel will later be transported to medical facilities in Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

This exchange was carried out in line with the agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine on June 2 during talks held in Istanbul, underscoring ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian measures amid the ongoing conflict.

During the talks—the first direct negotiations between the parties in three years—both nations agreed to the release of over 1,000 prisoners of war from each side, prioritizing those who are wounded, ill, or under the age of 25.

In Istanbul, Moscow and Kyiv also reached an agreement to repatriate the remains of more than 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers, with multiple phases of the transfer having been conducted in recent weeks.

However, Moscow dismissed Kyiv’s calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead insisting that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine cedes additional territory and relinquishes Western military support as preconditions.

By Sabina Mammadli