The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, now in its fourth year, has been punctuated by rare moments of cooperation amid relentless conflict. One such area of interaction is the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs). In May 2025, the two countries agreed to the largest prisoners exchange since the full-scale invasion began, with each side set to release 1,000 POWs. This landmark agreement, reached during direct talks in Istanbul, not only highlights the human cost of the war but also reflects the complex diplomatic dynamics at play.
The Latest and Largest Ukraine-Russia Prisoners Exchange
On May 16, 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky announced a breakthrough: Ukraine and Russia would each release 1,000 prisoners of war in the near future, marking the largest single exchange since the conflict erupted in February 2022. This agreement was the only concrete outcome of the first direct negotiations between the two sides in over three years, held at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace and mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The date of the exchange has not been publicly disclosed, but both sides confirmed that work on the lists of prisoners to be swapped began immediately after the talks.
Recent Exchange Statistics
- May 6, 2025: Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 POWs each, a one-for-one swap that set the stage for the larger agreement.
- April 19, 2025: Over 500 prisoners were swapped, with 246 POWs released by each side. Additionally, 31 wounded Ukrainian soldiers and 15 wounded Russian servicemen were exchanged.
- March 19, 2025: 175 POWs from each side were exchanged, including severely injured soldiers and those facing prosecution in Russian courts.
- Since February 2022: Ukraine claims to have brought home 4,552 individuals (military and civilians) through prisoner exchanges.
These exchanges have been facilitated by international mediators, notably the United Arab Emirates, which has played a significant humanitarian role in several swaps.
Diplomatic Context: Talks Without a Ceasefire
The Istanbul talks were highly anticipated, not least because they marked only the second direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations since the full-scale invasion. Expectations were tempered when Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to attend, sending Medinsky to lead the Russian team instead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called for a face-to-face meeting with Putin, but this was rebuffed.
Ukraine entered the talks seeking an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and an “all-for-all” prisoners exchange, which would see every POW returned to their home country. However, Russia rejected both proposals, instead agreeing only to the 1,000-for-1,000 swap. Russian negotiators reportedly made what Ukrainian sources described as “unacceptable” territorial demands, further complicating the prospects for a broader peace agreement.
Despite these setbacks, both sides agreed to continue talks and to present written proposals for a possible future ceasefire.
Human Stories and National Morale
The Ukraine-Russia prisoners exchange is not just a matter of numbers and diplomacy; it is a deeply human issue. Images and videos of returning soldiers, many draped in their national flags and reunited with families, have become powerful symbols of resilience and sacrifice.Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has frequently highlighted these exchanges in public statements, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bringing every Ukrainian home.
For Russia, the return of its servicemen is similarly used to bolster national morale and project an image of care for its troops. Both sides have expressed gratitude to mediators, particularly the UAE and Turkey, for their roles in facilitating these humanitarian gestures.
Reactions from Both Sides
Ukrainian Statements
- Defense Minister Rustem Umerov: Confirmed the 1,000-for-1,000 exchange and reiterated Ukraine’s desire for an “all-for-all” swap, which Russia has so far refused.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Expressed frustration at Russia’s refusal to agree to a full ceasefire and emphasized the importance of returning all POWs.
- Ukrainian Officials: Ukraine does not disclose the exact number of its POWs held by Russia, but Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets claims over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are detained in Russia.
Russian Statements
- Vladimir Medinsky (Kremlin aide): Expressed satisfaction with the Istanbul negotiations and confirmed Russia’s readiness for further talks. He acknowledged Ukraine’s request for a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting but gave no commitment.
- Russian Defense Ministry: Provided details of each exchange and highlighted the provision of medical and psychological care for returning servicemen.
- Russian Media: Covered the exchanges as evidence of Moscow’s willingness to negotiate, even as broader political demands remain unmet.
International Mediators
- Turkey: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired the Istanbul talks, urging both sides to pursue peace and confirming that further meetings are planned.
- United Arab Emirates: Praised by both Kyiv and Moscow for its humanitarian mediation in previous exchanges.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Challenges
While the Ukraine-Russia prisoners exchange represents a rare point of contact and cooperation, it has not translated into broader progress toward ending the war. The Istanbul negotiations exposed the deep divides that persist, particularly over territorial issues and the terms of any potential ceasefire. The fact that the largest POW exchange in the war’s history could be agreed upon, even as fighting continues and millions remain displaced, underscores both the possibilities and the limits of diplomacy in the current climate.
Summary Table: Major 2025 POW Exchanges
| Date | Number Exchanged (Each Side) | Notable Details | Mediator |
| May 6, 2025 | 205 | One-for-one swap | Not specified |
| April 19, 2025 | 246 | Largest swap since 2022; included wounded | UAE |
| March 19, 2025 | 175 | Included severely injured | UAE |
| Upcoming | 1,000 | Largest planned swap | Turkey (Istanbul) |
The Human Cost and the Path Forward
Behind the statistics of the Ukraine-Russia prisoners exchange are thousands of individual stories-of soldiers captured in battle, of families waiting for news, and of nations grappling with the realities of a protracted war. Each exchange is a reminder of the enduring human cost of the conflict, as well as the potential for limited but meaningful cooperation even in the darkest times.
As both sides prepare for the largest exchange yet, the world watches closely. The agreement offers a glimmer of hope to the families of POWs and signals that, despite entrenched positions and ongoing violence, dialogue is still possible. Yet, until a broader peace is reached, these exchanges will remain bittersweet milestones in a war that continues to reshape the region and the lives of millions.
The Ukraine-Russia prisoners exchange stands as a testament to the complexity of war and diplomacy. It is a humanitarian lifeline for those captured and a rare point of agreement between bitter adversaries. As the largest swap to date approaches, it serves as both a symbol of hope and a stark reminder of the work yet to be done to achieve lasting peace.
