Russia, Ukraine confirm 3rd round of prisoner swap involving 303 people from each side

A statement by the Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukraine returned 303 of its servicemen, in return for 303 Ukrainian soldiers who were returned to Kyiv.

“Currently, Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance,” the statement further said, noting they will return to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the exchange on X, thanking the team that “worked around the clock to successfully carry out this exchange.”

“We will definitely bring every single one of our people back from Russian captivity,” Zelenskyy added.

Türkiye facilitated the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years in Istanbul on May 16, where the two sides agreed to the large-scale exchange of prisoners involving a total of 1,000 people from each side and continue negotiations for a truce.

Two exchanges have taken place since the agreement, as part of which 390 and 307 prisoners were exchanged from each side over the past two days, respectively.