880 Russian Servicemen and 120 Civilians Returned in Major Prisoner Exchange

On May 25th, 2025, a military official released a statement confirming the return of 880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians. This exchange was part of an agreement made in Istanbul on May 16th, 2023. The official stated, "880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians have been returned." He further explained that the servicemen are currently in Belarus and preparing for their return to Russia. The official expressed gratitude to Belarusian authorities for their support. This exchange is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, potentially contributing to de-escalation efforts. The event highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.