Ukraine and Russia carried out another prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange on Saturday — the fourth in a week — under agreements brokered earlier this month in Istanbul, both sides confirmed.
“We continue to bring our people home from Russian captivity. This marks the fourth exchange in a week,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense also confirmed the swap, stating via Telegram: “In accordance with Russian-Ukrainian agreements, another group of Russian servicemen has been returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime.”
As part of the same Istanbul agreements, Kyiv reported receiving 1,200 unidentified bodies from Russia, believed to be Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel. Ukraine did not disclose whether any bodies were returned to Russia in exchange.
Photos shared by President Zelensky on Telegram depicted men of various ages, many in camouflage with shaved heads, draped in Ukrainian flags. Some appeared injured; others were seen disembarking buses, embracing loved ones, or making phone calls — some smiling, others visibly emotional.
In contrast, a video released by Russia’s defense ministry showed uniformed men waving Russian flags and chanting “Russia, Russia,” “Glory to Russia,” and “Hooray,” with some raising their fists in celebration.
The exchange took place as Russia rejected new ceasefire proposals and escalated its offensive, particularly in the northeastern Sumy region. Moscow has said it aims to establish a “buffer zone” there to protect its bordering Kursk region, parts of which had previously been under Ukrainian control.
Zelensky claimed Ukrainian forces had halted Russia’s advance in Sumy and had retaken one village. He also stated that Russia is employing about 53,000 troops in the operation.
