Ukraine and Russia finalize historic ‘1,000 for 1,000’ prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia on Sunday, May 25, 2025, finalized a major prisoner exchange, in a historic release of 1,000 individuals each over three days, despite ongoing Russian airstrikes targeting Ukrainian cities.

The Guardian reports that this operation is the largest swap of its kind between the two countries since the start of the war.

It culminated on Sunday with the final release of 303 Ukrainian prisoners from Russian custody.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the final phase of the exchange.

He stated that soldiers from various branches of Ukraine’s defense forces, had safely returned home.

The soldiers included the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service.

Expressing gratitude to those involved in the operation, Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

“I thank the team that worked around the clock to successfully carry out this exchange.

“We will definitely bring back every single one of our people from Russian captivity.”

The exchange was negotiated in Istanbul and agreed upon just over a week prior to its implementation.

Visuals from the handover showed emotional scenes of reunion, with returned Ukrainian prisoners, embracing their families.

Many of the prisoners had shaved heads and were wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

The large-scale swap has been hailed as a significant humanitarian gesture and a demonstration of Ukraine’s commitment to securing the return of its detained citizens.

This recent exchange also included a substantial number of civilians, making it the most extensive such operation involving Ukrainian non-combatants since the conflict began.

According to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (PoWs), 70 of those released had played a role in defending the city of Mariupol during the intense siege by Russian forces in 2022.

The battle for Mariupol was one of the war’s most brutal and symbolically significant episodes.

Many Ukrainian fighters were tasked with enduring months of hardship before being captured.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence also confirmed the successful completion of the operation.

He stated that, in accordance with the agreement reached in Istanbul on May 16, both nations had exchanged 1,000 captives.

The ministry said:

“In accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached in Istanbul on May 16, the Russian and Ukrainian sides have over the weekend carried out the exchange of 1,000 people for 1,000 people.”

Some observers had expressed hope that this significant exchange might help pave the way for further negotiations or even a temporary ceasefire.

However, those hopes were quickly overshadowed by renewed hostilities.

Over the same weekend that the final stages of the prisoner release were taking place, Russia launched a series of intense drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian territory.

On Sunday alone, these strikes killed 12 people and left dozens more injured.

The escalation of violence has cast doubt on any immediate prospects for a de-escalation of the conflict.

It has highlighted the fragility of diplomatic efforts in the face of continued military aggression.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, numerous smaller prisoner swaps have occurred.

But none have matched this one in scale or symbolic significance.

It reflects both countries’ recognition of the value of their captured personnel.

It further reflects the complex negotiations that continue behind the scenes even as fighting persists on the front lines.

Despite the violent backdrop, the successful exchange has offered a rare moment of relief and unity in Ukraine.

The safe return of its citizens, military and civilian alike, has been met with a wave of national support and serves as a reminder of the human cost of the war.

Ukrainian officials reiterated their ongoing commitment to ensuring that no captive is forgotten.

Also, they say that efforts to bring everyone home will continue, regardless of the circumstances on the battlefield.

In summary, the “1,000 for 1,000” exchange marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing war.

It underscores both the depth of human suffering and the enduring efforts for reconciliation and recovery, even amid relentless violence.

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