President Zelensky confirms: Negotiations on a “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange with Russia are ongoing
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed new details regarding the negotiation process with Russia concerning a possible large-scale exchange of prisoners and other detainees. According to him, the upcoming talks will consider a format that involves the simultaneous release of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian citizens — the so-called “1000 for 1000” exchange. This is an ambitious step that has amazed Ukrainian and global experts with its scale, but it also raises many complex moral and legal questions. Zelensky noted that during the recent negotiations, the topic of freeing not only prisoners of war but also political prisoners and journalists persecuted in Russia and on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine was addressed. At the same time, he emphasized that not all issues have yet entered detailed discussion stages, and that Ukraine and its diplomatic representatives stress the importance of considering moral and humanitarian principles, especially regarding the return of children. “I don’t want to go into details now — he said in a direct quote — there may be signals regarding political prisoners and journalists, but I believe the key point is the return of children. Trading children for prisoners of war is unjust and unlawful, so we act according to humanitarian principles.” The president highlighted that a special group, led by the Commissioner for Political Prisoners Dmitry Umerov along with experts from the Security Service of Ukraine and intelligence, plays a significant role in resolving such a complex issue. This team formulates approaches and determines legal frameworks for such exchanges and humanitarian procedures, taking into account humanitarian norms and international law. The background of these negotiations has its peculiarities. Ukraine’s Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyryl Budanov, recently stated that the “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange is entirely feasible and could happen as early as next week. According to information received from Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of GUR of the Ministry of Defense, Ukraine is already actively working on lists of individuals who could be returned as part of a possible agreement. Remember that Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on the details of such exchanges during talks in Istanbul on May 16, 2025 — when a principal agreement was reached on the simultaneous release and transfer of 1000 Ukrainian and 1000 Russian citizens. Already on the following day, May 17, efforts by Ukrainian security and intelligence agencies were intensified to prepare for the implementation of this ambitious agreement. According to representatives, the process involves not only legal formalization of lists but also logistics, safety guarantees, and humanitarian support for those to be released. The “1000 for 1000” exchange has become a topic of broad discussion in Ukrainian society and international circles. At the same time, it raises a number of questions regarding legal nuances, humanitarian aspects, and the legal guarantees for all participants. Clear terms and details remain uncertain for now, but it is evident that this project is one of the largest and most complex in the context of Ukrainian-Russian agreements in recent times. Western analysts and experts emphasize that preparing for such a large-scale exchange demonstrates Ukraine’s high level of diplomatic effort and its desire to achieve tangible results in the humanitarian sphere, despite all political and strategic challenges. They also call for maximum transparency and openness in the process to prevent human tragedies and maintain trust on both sides. Overall, this process is another natural step in the complex and long-term fight to return their citizens and protect their rights and dignity. Much work still lies ahead, but all parties are committed to searching for compromises, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult they may be. Ukraine continues to insist on humanitarian principles and justice, hoping that soon the initial phases of implementing agreements and the return of hundreds of Ukrainians currently in captivity will begin.