Major Prisoner Exchange: Russia and Ukraine Reach Landmark Agreement

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a significant prisoner exchange, exchanging 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers and all seriously wounded, sick, and young soldiers under 25. The agreement was announced by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov at a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey on June 2nd, 2025. This development follows three months of static positions in peace talks and is seen as a potential step towards resolution. "This position has remained unchanged for the 3 months, and we consider it the basis for starting a peaceful resolution," stated Umerov. The exchange also includes a list of several hundred Ukrainian children deported to Russia, with the hope that at least half will be returned as a sign of Russia's commitment to peace. This exchange represents a significant humanitarian step and a potential turning point in the conflict.