Kellogg calls prisoner swap the most positive outcome of Istanbul talks
Photo: US Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg (Getty Images)
A large prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia is the "most positive outcome" of the negotiations in Istanbul. However, a ceasefire is still needed, states US presidential special envoy Keith Kellogg on X.
"The most positive outcome of last week’s UKR-RU technical talks in Istanbul: 1,000 soldiers per side set for repatriation, with 400+ already returned," wrote US presidential special envoy Keith Kellogg.
The special envoy of Donald Trump thanked Defense Minister Rustem Umerov for his significant contribution to achieving this.
He added that a truce and an end to the killings are necessary.
Large prisoner exchange
Ukraine and Russia completed the first phase of a major prisoner exchange under the "1000 for 1000" format. A total of 390 prisoners returned to Ukraine — 270 military personnel and 120 civilians.
This is only the first part of the agreement. The next stages of the exchange are expected on May 24 and 25.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner Affairs, among those released were three women and 387 men. The returning soldiers include members of the Navy, Air Assault Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard, and border guards.
They defended Ukraine across key fronts — from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Kyiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv.
It is also reported that Ukraine handed over 70 collaborators to Russia, including an associate of the traitor Viktor Medvedchuk.
