Ukraine and Russia Swap 2,000 Prisoners in Major Breakthrough After Direct Peace Talks

Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged 1,000 prisoners each in a significant development following rare direct talks – the first since the start of the war.

Ukraine and Russia have completed a large-scale prisoner swap, exchanging 1,000 detainees on each side, following high-stakes negotiations in Istanbul last week.

Former US President Donald Trump, who has played a role in recent diplomatic efforts, confirmed the news in a post on his Truth Social platform early Friday.

“A major prisoners swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine. It will go into effect shortly,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation… This could lead to something big???”

The agreement was the key outcome of the tense two-hour meeting in Turkey – the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in over three years of war.

Although discussions failed to reach a broader ceasefire deal, both sides agreed to the swap as a goodwill measure.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov had earlier confirmed progress in the negotiations, telling reporters: “We talked about a ‘1,000 for 1,000’ exchange and are also working on other modalities for this swap.”

While a Ukrainian military source confirmed that the prisoner exchange had begun, Russian officials have not yet issued a formal statement. Previous prisoner swaps have typically been mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

The swap comes amid cautious optimism about future peace prospects. Kyiv has indicated willingness to accept a US-backed 30-day ceasefire plan, but Moscow has so far refused.

Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face in Turkey, Russia instead sent a low-level delegation to the recent talks.

According to sources, Russia’s demands during the negotiations included control over four major Ukrainian cities — Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk — a condition Ukraine firmly rejected.

Trump had previously warned of potential sanctions on Russia if peace talks were derailed but reportedly held off on further measures after a call with Putin on Monday.

The breakthrough prisoner swap may serve as a stepping stone in efforts to de-escalate one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts in decades, though a long-term resolution remains elusive.