Ukraine is working towards resuming prisoner exchanges with Russia, aiming to bring home approximately 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners of war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “We are … counting on the resumption of POW exchanges,” indicating ongoing negotiations and discussions to facilitate this process.
Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, reported that consultations facilitated by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are ongoing for the resumption of these exchanges. He noted that both sides have agreed to activate previously established agreements brokered in Istanbul, aimed at organizing the release of the prisoners.
The Istanbul agreements, established in 2022 with Turkish mediation, outline protocols for coordinated prisoner swaps, which, despite being carried out several times, have been inconsistent. These exchanges have constituted most of the noteworthy progress in negotiations between the two countries, particularly as the war continues into its fourth year and another demanding winter looms.
Authorities in Moscow have not provided immediate comments regarding the prisoner exchange discussions. Umerov expressed hope that the anticipated exchanges would allow returning Ukrainians to celebrate the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays with their families.
Additionally, Finnish President Alexander Stubb commented on the state of the conflict, suggesting that a ceasefire may not be achievable before spring, while emphasizing the need for European allies to maintain their support amid a corruption scandal in Kyiv. He highlighted the necessity of endurance and resilience, referring to the Finnish concept of “sisu,” as Europe confronts ongoing Russian hybrid attacks.
On the ground, energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region suffered damage from Russian drone strikes, contributing to the already challenging situation as Ukraine braces for the winter. The ongoing conflict continues to see both military engagements and significant civilian implications.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/16/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-working-on-new-prisoner-exchange-with-russia?traffic_source=rss