Istanbul: Russia and Ukraine have reached a major agreement in Istanbul to conduct the largest exchange of prisoners and bodies since the war began in February 2022, officials from both sides confirmed following peace talks hosted by Trkiye. The two countries concluded the second round of talks in Istanbul.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced at a press conference that they have agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange involving seriously wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. The agreement also includes young soldiers aged 18 to 25. Umerov stated that they have agreed on the return of 6,000-for-6,000 bodies of dead soldiers, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the agreement even though it focuses on specific categories rather than fixed numbers. He reiterated Kyiv's broader demands for the release of all prisoners and the return of captives and abducted children.
Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, confirmed the agreement, stating that Moscow and Kyiv have agreed on an all-for-all format exchange covering heavily wounded and young soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. He mentioned that Moscow would return the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
The agreement was finalized during the second round of talks at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace, facilitated by Turkish mediation efforts. Ankara has played a significant role in hosting key diplomatic encounters since the early weeks of the war, including landmark meetings in Antalya and the Dolmabahce Office of the Presidency in Istanbul.