Ukraine preparing list of Russian POWs for 1,000-for-1,000 exchange
Photo: The Security Service of Ukraine compiles lists of Russians to be handed over to Russia (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has begun preparations for the largest prisoner exchange under the 1,000-for-1,000 format. Lists of Russian military personnel who could be handed over to Russia are already being compiled.
"Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War under the Security Service of Ukraine has already started preparatory measures for the exchange of 1,000-for-1,000 people," the agency said.
Specifically, the SSU is compiling a list of Russian military personnel held in Ukrainian captivity who may be transferred to Russia.
In addition, the Security Service of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Health and all relevant state agencies, is preparing to receive Ukrainian soldiers currently held in enemy captivity. Among other things, they are preparing:
- appropriate infrastructure;
- locations;
- medical personnel necessary for the reception, escort, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers.
"Let us remind that an agreement on the simultaneous release and transfer of prisoners on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis was reached between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul on May 16, 2025," the SSU noted.
Prisoner exchange 1,000-for-1,000
On May 16, talks were held in Istanbul between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations. The sides discussed issues related to ending the war for more than an hour.
Immediately after the meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the parties had agreed to a prisoner exchange based on the 1,000-for-1,000 format.
The Russian side soon confirmed this.
Afterwards, Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, said Ukraine had already begun working on the lists of people who would be returned home.
Today, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said he expects a large-scale prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia as soon as next week.
