A major news story has broken in the Ukrainian information space: according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, large-scale two-phase prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia are planned for the upcoming weekend
Details indicate that this process may become one of the largest in recent times, involving the release of approximately 500 Ukrainian defenders currently held captive by the occupiers. According to an official statement by the head of state during a briefing, Ukraine is ready to transfer an equivalent number of Russian prisoners of war in exchange. This means that both sides will engage in an equal mutual procedure, in accordance with previously reached agreements. The President also emphasized that the country is committed to an open and transparent process, but at present, the Ukrainian side has not yet received all the necessary lists for the further implementation of the arrangements. In a tense negotiation atmosphere, Zelenskyy noted that the Russian side promised to provide the lists of prisoners before the exchange begins, but as of today, these documents have not yet been received. At the same time, he stressed that, unlike the situation in Istanbul several months ago, Russian representatives assured the provision of these lists, which is highly important for Ukraine. “We insist on receiving a full list of those we intend to release. This is necessary to ensure maximum transparency and fairness of the process,” Zelenskyy stated. He also paid considerable attention to the issue of returning the bodies of fallen soldiers. According to the president, this remains an extremely relevant and sensitive topic for the Ukrainian state. Zelenskyy announced that, following the completion of the prisoner exchange, efforts will begin to clarify the fate of the bodies of fallen compatriots. “According to available documents, Russia has identified only about 15-20% of the bodies they still hold. This is vital information because we aim to retrieve the bodies of our fallen, not Russians, whom they may be trying to conceal or deprive of their final dignity,” Zelenskyy said. An important aspect is ensuring that Ukraine receives the bodies of its heroes, rather than being in a situation where indifference and disrespect for the memory of the fallen prevail in the battles. Overall, the situation around the two-phase exchange over the weekend remains tense and unpredictable, but all parties are striving to make the process as transparent and fair as possible. At the same time, the Ukrainian president underscores the importance of Russia faithfully fulfilling its obligations and providing the necessary lists for the return of our compatriots, as this concerns people’s lives, commitments to their families, and the future of national dignity. This news has become one of the main topics in Ukraine's information space and has elicited broad resonance among the public and politicians, as prisoner exchanges stand at the intersection of diplomatic negotiations and human destinies. The outcome of these exchanges could be a decisive factor in the further development of the conflict and in restoring justice.