Russia and Ukraine have initiated the process of exchanging hundreds of prisoners of war. The first group of Russian prisoners under the age of 25 has been transferred to Belarus and is receiving medical treatment.

This exchange was conducted based on an agreement between representatives from Kyiv and Moscow earlier this month. In this phase, prisoners of war under the age of 25 from both sides returned to their countries.

A returned Russian, not named, said: “I am very happy, cannot express emotions in words. I just have shivering down my spine.”

Another freed Russian prisoner said: “We hope everything (conflict between Russia and Ukraine) ends soon, victory will be ours and everyone will come back home to relatives.”

The president of Ukraine also confirmed that some prisoners held in Russian captivity since the beginning of the war have been released.

Freed Ukrainian citizens were transferred to a hospital in northern Ukraine for medical examination upon returning home.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated: “Today, the exchange began – the first stage of the agreement reached in Istanbul. There will be several stages – at least, this is what was discussed with the Russian side. This exchange includes the wounded, severely wounded, and those aged 25 and younger. The exchange process is expected to continue for more than one day. The details of the process are quite sensitive. That’s why there is currently less information than usual. I thank everyone who is helping to carry out the exchange and working to ensure that all our people can return home – home from Russian captivity.”
One freed Ukrainian citizen said: “Hello mother! I’ve come home. I’ve returned to my home and homeland, mother. I can’t wait. Thank you for everything, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing you.”

This exchange was the result of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul on June 2, during which it was agreed that at least 1,200 prisoners of war from both sides would be exchanged, and thousands of soldiers' bodies would be repatriated.

While neither side has released the exact number of prisoners exchanged in this phase, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that an equal number of military personnel were exchanged on both sides.