Overview

• President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a fresh swap of 1,200 detainees, marking the first exchange to include civilian prisoners alongside military personnel.
• Ukrainian negotiators led by Rustem Umjerow are finalizing lists of soldiers and civilians ahead of a follow-up meeting with Russian counterparts, though no date has been set.
• July’s completion of phased swaps fulfilled the June Istanbul accord that outlined exchanges of 1,200 prisoners per side.
• Since the 2022 invasion, over 5,857 Ukrainians have returned from captivity, while the total number of detainees held by both sides remains unknown.
• The United Arab Emirates and the International Committee of the Red Cross are mediating the exchanges despite ongoing stalemate over Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire and Russia’s insistence on preconditions.