Ukraine's Major Prisoner Exchange with Russia Begins on June 9, 2025

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Ukraine Initiates Major Prisoner Exchange with Russia In a significant development, Ukraine has commenced a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia, a move confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 9. This exchange was made possible through a deal reached during peace negotiations held in Istanbul. "Ukrainians are coming home from Russian captivity," Zelensky stated, emphasizing the beginning of the exchange process, which is expected to unfold in multiple phases over the coming days. The initial group returning includes both wounded personnel and those under the age of 25. Details of the Exchange This prisoner swap represents the first phase of an agreement established at the second round of direct negotiations that took place on June 2 in Istanbul. According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the first batch of returned soldiers features members from various branches of the Ukrainian military, including the Navy, Ground Forces, Air Force, National Guard, and Territorial Defense. Ukrainian defenders return home after a prisoner exchange with Russia on June 9, 2025. (Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War/Telegram) Among those released are individuals who had defended the city of Mariupol, many of whom spent over three years in captivity. Reports indicate that most of the freed personnel were captured during the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, as noted by Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Lubinets mentioned that his office monitored the exchange to guarantee adherence to human rights as dictated by the Geneva Convention, and assisted those who were freed in reconnecting with their families. "We warmly welcome all who can now breathe the air of their homeland after years of captivity," Lubinets expressed, sharing in the joy experienced by the families of the returnees. Categories of Prisoners This exchange specifically focuses on categories including soldiers under the age of 25, severely injured, and critically ill prisoners. In parallel, Ukraine is also striving to repatriate the remains of fallen soldiers, as reported by the General Staff. Ukrainian defenders return