1,000-for-1,000 exchange: Ukraine reveals criteria used for prisoner lists
Ukraine and Russia today, May 23, carried out the first stage of a prisoner exchange in the 1000 for 1000 format. The lists of names were drawn up based on only one criterion, stated Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
He reminded that during the first stage of the exchange, 390 Ukrainians were successfully brought home. It was the result of close coordination among all relevant institutions.
According to Umerov, all key bodies responsible for preparing the exchange worked as one team. Their sole objective was to bring the prisoners home as quickly as possible.
"Military and civilians. Men and women. Each of them is ours. The lists were compiled based on a single criterion — to save lives. Within the framework of the Istanbul agreements, we expect new exchanges to take place over the next few days," the minister added.
He also emphasized that Ukraine will continue its efforts until all prisoners are brought back home.
Prisoner exchange
Today, May 23, Ukraine and Russia implemented the first stage of the 1000-for-1000 prisoner exchange.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 270 soldiers and 120 civilians returned home.
The remaining two stages of the largest prisoner exchange since the beginning of the war will take place on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25.
Read more about the prisoner exchange in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
