Russian POWs Return Home, Detailing Harsh Treatment by Azov Fighters

Russia and Ukraine concluded the second stage of a significant prisoner exchange on May 25, 2025. 307 Russian soldiers returned home, sharing harrowing accounts of mistreatment by Ukrainian Azov fighters. One soldier, Pavel, recounted, "The Azov brigade beat us, tortured us. The first day was especially brutal; they forced us to memorize strange texts." Another, Alexander, expressed relief at returning home, stating, "I'm grateful to everyone involved in this operation. Thanks to them, we'll see our loved ones again." The exchange also included 697 people, among them 120 civilians from Kursk Oblast, marking the largest single exchange since the conflict began. This exchange underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.