Great prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine: new hope!

Great prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine: new hope!

On Saturday, May 24th, 2025, Russia and Ukraine took a significant step towards a possible relaxation in the conflict. According to information from krone.at , 307 prisoners were released from both sides in a continued prisoner exchange. This exchange represents part of a larger package that provides for the mutual release of a total of 1,000 prisoners that were previously agreed in Istanbul.

Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj already announced that further handed over on Sunday. During the first exchange on Friday, 390 prisoners were released, including 270 soldiers and 120 civilians. These prisoners had fought in the conflict -loaded regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Saporischschja, Kharkiw and Cherson. Spiegel.de emphasizes that this has been the most extensive exchange of prisoners since the beginning of the conflict.

medical care for the released

The freed Ukrainian military members not only receive reunification with their families, but also medical examinations as well as physical and psychological support in order to cope with the consequences of their captivity. The Russian Ministry of Defense has also declared that all released Russian military members are also brought back to the Russian Federation, where they can expect comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation.

The exchange takes place in several stages, and after the first two days there are already clear progress. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha described the current exchange as crucial for peace work between the two countries. Despite these positive developments, however, a ceasefire remains a long way off. n-tv.de reports that the exchange is the only tangible result of the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022.

The talks in Istanbul are another sign that despite the ongoing conflicts and the still existing political tensions, both sides are willing to make progress. The exchange of prisoners could possibly be a first step towards a more comprehensive solution to the conflict, even if the future remains uncertain.