Ukraine, Russia prepare for 1,000 to 1,000 prisoner of war exchange

KYIV — A major prisoner swap involving 1,000 captives from each side may take place next week, Ukrainian officials confirmed Saturday following peace talks with Russia in Istanbul.

“I hope it will happen next week,” said Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov in remarks to TSN, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

“There will be an exchange — whoever we can take, we will take. And give it back in the same way.”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation at the talks, said both sides had agreed in principle on the format and timeline of the exchange. “We know the date, but we won’t say it yet,” he added.

Russian presidential aide and chief negotiator Volodymyr Medinsky also confirmed that preparations were underway for the proposed "1,000 for 1,000" exchange.

Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, stated that the formal process of returning Ukrainian prisoners of war has begun.

The May 16 meeting in Istanbul was part of Türkiye’s mediation efforts to end the war, focusing on humanitarian arrangements such as a ceasefire and prisoner releases.

Both sides remain far apart on broader political issues, but the agreement marks a step forward in de-escalation efforts. — Agencies