Largest POW Exchange in Ukraine War Brings Hope and Tears

Ukraine-Russia War: Largest POW Exchange Since War's Beginning Brings Hope Amidst Conflict On Saturday, May 26th, 2025, a momentous event unfolded in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine: the largest prisoner-of-war exchange since the war's inception. This exchange, involving 390 prisoners, including 120 Ukrainian civilians, marked a significant development in the conflict. The release came just hours after an overnight Russian bombardment rocked Kyiv with long-range drones and ballistic missiles, injuring 15. The scale of the prisoner exchange is unprecedented. One family member stated, "We've been waiting for this day for so long. It's hard to believe he's finally home." The event underscores the ongoing efforts toward peace and resolution in the conflict, offering a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing violence. This prisoner exchange was the sole agreement reached during last week's Istanbul talks, an event that President Trump had advocated for. These talks represent the first direct ceasefire negotiations since the early days of the 2022 invasion.