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POW exchange 1,200-for-1,200: Putin's aide responds on when Russia is ready to start

POW exchange 1,200-for-1,200: Putin's aide responds on when Russia is ready to start Photo: Vladimir Medinsky, aide to the Russian President (Getty Images)

Ukraine and Russia may carry out the largest prisoner exchange since the start of the war, with Moscow planning to begin between June 7 and 9, states Vladimir Medinsky, aide to the Russian President and head of the Russian delegation, according to Interfax.

During a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the government, Vladimir Medinsky stated that Ukraine and Russia are currently finalizing the "exact numbers on a parity basis."

"We expect it to be 1,200 people on each side, making it once again the largest prisoner of war exchange. We’re ready to begin on June 7, 8, or 9," he specified.

According to him, Russia is allegedly "fully prepared" for the exchange.

Prisoner exchange

During the second round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a new prisoner of war exchange.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the plan is to exchange 1,000 for 1,000 and an additional 200 for 200.

According to him, both sides will exchange name lists this week.

At the same time, Zelenskyy said today, June 4, that the first two exchanges could take place as early as June 7–8.