Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Exchange Agreed Upon in Istanbul Talks

Ukraine and Russia Reach Prisoner Exchange Agreement in Istanbul Following negotiations in Istanbul on June 3, 2025, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a significant prisoner exchange. The agreement, confirmed by a Ukrainian official in an interview with Rada TV, involves the exchange of military personnel and the return of the bodies of fallen soldiers. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the importance of verifying the numbers and identities of those exchanged. "It's crucial that we verify everything," the official stated, "to ensure the safe return of all our soldiers and the dignified treatment of the fallen." The agreement comes amid ongoing conflict between the two nations. Further talks are scheduled in Kyiv to finalize details of the exchange. The successful exchange represents a positive step towards de-escalation and resolution of the conflict.