Ukraine and Russia exchange 390 prisoners in first stage of swap

Ukrainian prisoner of war Oleksandr embraces his wife, Olena, as he returns after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday. | REUTERS

Wires
May 24, 2025

Ukraine and Russia began a major prisoner exchange Friday, which if completed would be the biggest swap since Moscow invaded more than three years ago.

Both sides received 390 people in this first stage and are expected to exchange 1,000 each in total under an agreement reached at direct talks in Istanbul last week.

Russia has signaled it will send Ukraine its terms for a peace settlement after the swap, which is set to be staggered over three days.