Ukraine's Safety Service (SBU) has launched preparatory steps for a large-scale prisoner change with Russia involving 1,000 detainees from all sides, the company introduced on Could 17.
The Joint Coordination Middle for the Search and Launch of Prisoners, working below the SBU, is compiling an inventory of Russian army personnel at present held in Ukrainian custody who could also be handed over to Russia as a part of the swap.
Concurrently, the SBU, along with the Well being Ministry and different related state companies, is making ready to obtain Ukrainian troopers now held by Russian forces. Efforts embody establishing crucial infrastructure, designated places, and medical workers to facilitate the switch, escort, and rehabilitation of returning servicemen.
The deliberate change follows an settlement reached between Ukrainian and Russian delegations throughout talks in Istanbul on Could 16, 2025.
Earlier on Could 17, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Army Intelligence, stated he hopes the change will happen subsequent week, expressing optimism concerning the absence of main obstacles.
Whereas Ukraine has pushed for a complete "all-for-all" change, Russia has resisted such proposals. Kyiv has not disclosed the total variety of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia.
Prisoner swaps stay one of many few ongoing factors of cooperation between the 2 international locations amid persevering with battle.
Ukraine's delegation traveled to Istanbul this week for Russian-initiated peace talks, although President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow for sending what he known as a "sham delegation." Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to attend, as a substitute appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky to steer Moscow's workforce.
The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova
Leave a Reply