Overview

• Ukraine and Russia have initiated the largest prisoner exchange of the war, with 390 individuals—270 soldiers and 120 civilians on each side—freed on the first day.
• The exchange, agreed upon during the first direct talks in over three years, will continue over the weekend to complete the release of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
• Reports from Ukrainian officials and international investigators reveal systemic mistreatment of Ukrainian detainees in Russian captivity, including torture and sexual violence, with 90% of POWs reporting abuse.
• Thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including children, remain detained in Russia under conditions described as genocidal, with many pressured to accept Russian citizenship.
• Despite the successful swap, broader ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with Russia resisting further agreements during the Istanbul talks.