In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to carry out the largest prisoner and body exchange since the war began in February 2022. The agreement was reached in Istanbul, following peace talks facilitated by Türkiye, which has played a key mediating role throughout the conflict.
Officials from both sides confirmed the deal, which includes the exchange of seriously wounded and ill prisoners of war, as well as young soldiers aged between 18 and 25. Additionally, both countries have agreed to exchange the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side.
Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov described the deal as a crucial humanitarian step forward. “We agreed on an ‘all-for-all’ exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. The second category is young soldiers aged 18 to 25,” he said.
While exact numbers were not confirmed, Umerov emphasized that the deal’s focus was more on categories of individuals than fixed figures. “The humanitarian aspect is key. We also continue to demand the return of all our prisoners, including abducted children,” he added.
Russian delegate Vladimir Medinsky, who led the talks on behalf of Moscow, also confirmed the agreement. He described the deal as the “largest-scale prisoner exchange” in the ongoing conflict. “We have agreed on an all-for-all formula for the seriously wounded and young soldiers. The numbers may exceed 1,000 prisoners on each side,” Medinsky said.
He also revealed that Russia proposed a two- to three-day ceasefire in specific sections of the frontline. The temporary truce would allow both sides to collect the bodies of fallen soldiers. “This would give field commanders the chance to recover the remains of their comrades,” he said.
The agreement was finalized during a second round of talks at Istanbul’s historic Ciragan Palace, underscoring Türkiye’s ongoing role as a key peace broker. Since the war began, Türkiye has hosted several major diplomatic efforts, including earlier rounds in Antalya and Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Office of the Presidency.
This latest development is being viewed as a rare moment of progress in a conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. While the broader war continues with no political resolution in sight, this humanitarian deal has been welcomed as a small but important step towards easing the suffering on both sides.
Analysts say that such agreements, though limited, could help build trust and pave the way for future negotiations—if backed by continued diplomatic efforts and international support.