Russia and Ukraine Complete Exchange of 1,000 Prisoners Each Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a significant development amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both nations have completed a major prisoner exchange, releasing 1,000 detainees each. This marks the culmination of a three-phase swap initiated on May 23, 2025, following peace talks in Istanbul. The final phase involved the exchange of 303 soldiers from each side, bringing the total to 1,000 prisoners per country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of Ukrainian servicemen from various military branches, including the army, navy, and air force.

However, the timing of the exchange coincided with a large-scale Russian aerial assault on Ukraine. On May 24, 2025, Russia launched the largest airstrike since the war began, deploying 367 missiles and drones across multiple Ukrainian cities. The attack resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths, including three children, and caused significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, but the assault underscored the ongoing volatility despite the prisoner exchange.

The prisoner swap, while a rare instance of cooperation between the adversaries, highlights the complexity of the conflict. It underscores the challenges in achieving lasting peace and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues fueling the war.