The Security Service of Ukraine has intensified preparatory work for a large-scale prisoner exchange under the “1000 for 1000” scheme
As part of this process, security specialists have already begun compiling lists and coordinating the logistics and medical services necessary to implement the agreements with Russia regarding the release of prisoners and military personnel held in captivity. According to sources within the SBU, the control center for searching and releasing prisoners is already preparing a list of Russian military personnel that the Ukrainian side plans to exchange. At the same time, negotiations and preparatory activities are underway to establish all the essential infrastructural support needed for the safe and proper reception and rehabilitation of Ukrainian prisoners of war from the moment of their liberation until their reintegration into the rear. It is planned that this extensive exchange will become one of the largest in the modern history of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. SBU employees, together with the Ministry of Health and other state institutions, are already working on organizing logistics, including providing medications, ombudspersons, escort services, and necessary procedures to ensure the comfortable and safe transfer of Ukrainian military personnel from captivity. The background of this process suggests a high likelihood that the “1000 for 1000” exchange will take place as early as next week. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, recently expressed confidence that an agreement on a large-scale exchange between Ukraine and Russia will be implemented within a short timeframe. Earlier, on May 16, 2025, Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of the Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate, reported that the Ukrainian side had already begun clarifying and formulating lists of individuals expected to be returned home as part of this agreement. According to him, Ukraine has already intensified efforts to conduct negotiations and refine the candidate lists to move towards the practical realization of this important process as soon as possible. The agreements on the conditions and format of the exchange were reached during negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, 2025. The exchange envisions the simultaneous release and handover of 1,000 Ukrainians and 1,000 Russians — a significant arrangement that aims to serve as an important step toward de-escalating the conflict and rebuilding trust between the parties. At the same time, there is hope that this process will be conducted in a coordinated, cautious, and humane manner, taking into account all necessary procedures and adhering to international standards.