August M
Ukraine says preparations are underway for one of the largest prisoner swaps since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with both sides expected to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.
United24Media reported that Kyiv has already handed Moscow a list of prisoners as negotiations continue with mediation from the United States.
Lists exchanged
According to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the Ukrainian list was compiled based on how long service members had been held in Russian captivity.
“Following the results of negotiations mediated by the United States that took place recently, Ukraine provided the Russian side with a ‘list of 1,000,’” the agency said on Telegram.
Officials stated that prioritising prisoners according to time spent in captivity had been repeatedly agreed upon during negotiations between the two countries.
US mediation involved
United24Media reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed preparations for the exchange during his evening address on May 10.
“The prisoner exchange—one thousand for one thousand—is being prepared and must take place,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that the United States had played a direct role in brokering the arrangement and was expected to help ensure the agreement was implemented.
Ceasefire proposal linked
The exchange is connected to a temporary ceasefire proposal announced earlier by US President Donald Trump.
According to United24Media, Trump proposed a three-day pause in fighting from May 9 to May 11 that would include a complete suspension of hostilities and the simultaneous exchange of prisoners.
“This request was made directly by me,” Trump said while thanking both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy for supporting the initiative.
Previous exchanges
Ukraine has carried out multiple prisoner exchanges with Russia during the war.
United24Media noted that during the previous swap on April 24, Ukraine secured the return of 193 service members from Russian captivity.
According to Zelenskyy, those released included soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, Border Guard Service and other security agencies, including wounded prisoners and individuals facing criminal charges in Russia.
Officials in Kyiv urged the public not to spread unverified information while negotiations remain ongoing.
Sources: United24Media, Telegram statements from Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
