Emotional Reunions Mark First Stage of Successful Prisoner Exchange

First Stage of Prisoner Exchange Under Istanbul Agreements Concludes Successfully ZAPORIZHZHIA, UKRAINE—June 9, 2025—The first stage of a prisoner exchange between warring factions, as agreed upon in Istanbul, concluded today in Zaporizhzhia. The exchange involved the release of several Ukrainian soldiers who had been held captive. The event was captured on video, showing the soldiers' emotional reunion with their compatriots. The video footage, circulating widely on social media, shows soldiers wrapped in Ukrainian flags, some visibly emotional, embracing each other. One soldier, speaking on his phone, could be heard saying, "I'm home." Another exclaimed, "Glory to Ukraine!" These raw, emotional moments underscore the profound human cost of the conflict and the significance of the exchange for the families and friends of the released soldiers. While the exact number of soldiers exchanged remains unconfirmed, the video provides compelling visual evidence of the successful completion of the first stage of the prisoner exchange. The event represents a significant step toward de-escalation and a potential path towards peace. The continued commitment to facilitating such exchanges remains crucial for resolving the conflict.