Five hundred Ukrainian defenders were recently returned from Russian captivity as a result of a large exchange under the 500 for 500 formula carried out by Ukraine and Russia. This is the largest exchange in the past six months. The last similar one on such a scale took place in the summer of 2025, when 1,000 Russians were exchanged for 1,000 Ukrainian defenders.
Throughout the last week, everyone had been anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones, since negotiations on exchanges usually take place in the Middle East and with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates. With the outbreak of war in Iran, many felt uncertain about further negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
However, the exchange did take place, and in two stages.
“This is one of the largest exchanges since the 1,000 for 1,000 exchange,” says representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Petro Yatsenko.
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