Number of Russian soldiers in Ukrainian captivity reaches record high
Illustrative photo: the highest number of Russian soldiers in Ukrainian captivity since the start of the war has been recorded (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is currently holding a record number of Russian soldiers since the beginning of the invasion. However, Moscow still does not want an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange, according to the I Want to Live project.
"There are currently more Russian prisoners of war in Ukrainian captivity than ever before — Ukrainian POW camps now hold thousands of Russian soldiers," the project said in a statement.
I Want to Live also noted that Russia is sending soldiers back to the front after they are returned through exchanges. An "all-for-all" swap would allow the Russian army to replenish losses comparable to about half a division (around 4,000–6,000 personnel). However, the Russian authorities continue to sabotage such an exchange.
Prisoner exchange on March 5
On March 5, Ukraine and Russia carried out a new prisoner exchange, resulting in the return of 200 Ukrainian defenders.
The swap was the outcome of trilateral negotiations in Geneva. The sides agreed to return a total of 1,000 servicemen (under a "500 for 500" formula) in two stages.
The second stage of the exchange is scheduled for March 6, when another 300 Ukrainians are expected to return home.
Until January, there had been a pause of several months in prisoner exchanges. The process was sabotaged by Russia.
Back in May last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine expects an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange once a ceasefire is established.
