Return of Captured Soldiers
The Russian Defense Ministry has announced the successful return of the first group of Russian soldiers, all under the age of 25, who had been captured in Ukraine. This operation was conducted as per the agreements reached during direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul.
In exchange, a similar number of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were handed over to Kiev. According to the statement, the Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, receiving necessary psychological and medical care. Plans are underway to transfer them to Russian medical facilities for further treatment and rehabilitation. The exact number of soldiers involved in the swap remains undisclosed.
President Zelensky’s Statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the prisoner exchange with Russia via a post on his Telegram account, acknowledging the arrangement reached in Istanbul. He noted that Ukrainian soldiers have been safely returned, stating, “The exchange started today and will continue in several stages over the coming days.”
Zelensky highlighted the sensitive and complex nature of these negotiations, which have been ongoing daily. He specified that the exchange included both wounded and seriously injured personnel, as well as those under 25 years of age.
Emphasizing the importance of returning all Ukrainian prisoners, Zelensky asserted, “We are awaiting the full implementation of the humanitarian agreements made during the Istanbul talks. We are relentlessly working to ensure everyone’s return, engaging all levels of communication for this cause.”
Background of the Prisoner Exchange Agreement
On June 2, Turkey facilitated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, resulting in several humanitarian agreements. These encompassed the repatriation of the remains of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, the exchange of seriously wounded and sick personnel, and the return of captured soldiers under the age of 25.
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