In a rare moment of cooperation amid a brutal and protracted war, Ukraine and Russia have completed a significant prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange under a deal brokered earlier this month in Istanbul.
The swap, which took place on June 19, involved hundreds of soldiers from both sides—many of whom were seriously wounded or ill, and some held captive since the early days of the 2022 invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared images of the returning troops, draped in national flags and visibly emotional as they reunited with loved ones. According to Kyiv’s coordinating council for POWs, the Ukrainian soldiers released were suffering from conditions such as dystrophy, ulcers, and cardiovascular issues.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that its returning personnel would receive medical and psychological care before being repatriated.
This exchange marks the fourth such operation since the June 2 peace talks in Istanbul, which—despite failing to produce a ceasefire—have yielded a series of humanitarian agreements.
The latest swap is seen as a modest diplomatic breakthrough in an otherwise deadlocked conflict.
Meanwhile, the battlefield remains active and deadly. Ukrainian officials report that Russia has launched one of the most intense drone and missile attacks on Kyiv in recent months, killing at least 23 people and injuring over 130.
The assault involved more than 400 drones and dozens of missiles, targeting residential areas and infrastructure.
Adding to the complexity, UK intelligence suggests that Russia’s ability to sustain its offensive may be weakened by Iran’s concurrent conflict with Israel.
Iran has been a key supplier of drones and munitions to Russia, and its diverted focus could impact future arms transfers.
Despite the prisoner exchange, peace remains elusive. Russia continues to demand territorial concessions and an end to Western military support for Ukraine as preconditions for negotiations—terms Kyiv has firmly rejected.
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