Overview

• The prisoner swap, negotiated in Istanbul, marks the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years, though no ceasefire agreement was reached.
• Ukraine and Russia have exchanged 390 individuals each—270 soldiers and 120 civilians per side—with additional transfers planned in the coming days.
• President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the exchange but criticized Russia for blocking progress on broader agreements during the Istanbul talks.
• Reports highlight systemic mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity, with claims of torture, sexual violence, and coercion to defect.
• The exchange underscores the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, as families reunite with freed prisoners after years of separation.