Ukraine and Russia embarked on their 66th prisoner exchange on Monday, June 9, 2025, marking another significant step in ongoing efforts to repatriate those captured during the conflict. However, in a move underscoring the sensitive nature of the operation, Ukrainian officials refrained from disclosing the exact number of returned prisoners, citing security concerns.
The prisoner swap, which follows agreements reached during talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 2, involves the release of specific categories of detainees, including the wounded, seriously injured, and those under 25 years of age. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the exchange on his Telegram channel, emphasizing the complexity of the process and the delicate negotiations that continue to unfold.
"Ours are home. Ukrainians are coming back home from Russian captivity. Today, the exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the coming days," Zelenskyy wrote. He highlighted that the categories of those being brought back now include the injured and seriously wounded, as well as those under 25 years of age. "We expect that the agreements on humanitarian issues reached during the meeting in Istanbul will be implemented in full. We are doing our best to bring back everyone. We are working to this end at all levels," he added.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed that this prisoner exchange is the 66th of its kind and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to implementing an all-for-all exchange formula across all categories. However, the precise tally of released prisoners remains undisclosed until the exchange process concludes, a measure taken to safeguard the operation's integrity.
Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets provided additional details, noting that many of those returned are young soldiers, mostly born in 2000, who have served in various branches of Ukraine's defense forces. "There are returned defenders of the Ukrainian Marines and Air Assault Forces. There are also those defenders who were captured in Mariupol," Lubinets said. The returned personnel include members of the Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, and the Territorial Defense. Most have been in captivity since 2022, with some having been captured during the earliest days of the full-scale invasion.
All those released in this exchange are enlisted and non-commissioned officers, underscoring the focus on specific prisoner categories agreed upon during the Istanbul talks. The Coordination Headquarters stressed that the exchange process is ongoing and that final numbers will be made public once the operation is complete.
The prisoner exchange is described by Ukrainian officials as "quite complicated," with "many sensitive details" and negotiations occurring nearly every day. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to all parties contributing to the effort, underscoring the humanitarian imperative behind the exchanges. "We must bring back home everyone who remains in captivity," he stated firmly.
This latest exchange follows a series of prisoner swaps that have been conducted throughout the conflict, reflecting a consistent, albeit challenging, effort to uphold humanitarian principles amid ongoing hostilities. The all-for-all exchange formula aims to ensure that prisoners from both sides are returned in equal numbers and categories, an agreement that Ukraine is determined to implement fully.
While the number of prisoners exchanged remains confidential for security reasons, the significance of the operation is clear. It represents not only a glimmer of hope for families awaiting news of their loved ones but also a critical element in the broader diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to manage the human cost of the war.
As the exchange continues over the coming days, Ukrainian authorities remain committed to transparency where possible, promising to share comprehensive details once the process is finalized. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, hopeful that such humanitarian initiatives can pave the way for further dialogue and eventual resolution.
The return of young soldiers, many of whom endured captivity since the early stages of the conflict, highlights the ongoing toll of war on individuals and communities. It also underscores the importance of sustained efforts to negotiate and implement prisoner exchanges, which serve as vital lifelines in times of conflict.
In sum, Monday's prisoner exchange marks a cautious but meaningful advance in Ukraine-Russia relations amid war, characterized by complex negotiations, security considerations, and a shared humanitarian goal. The coming days will reveal the full scope of this operation, but for now, the return of these defenders brings a moment of relief and renewed resolve.
