Prisoner Swap Could Happen This Week, Says Budanov, Following February 5 Exchange

Hopes for a New Prisoner Exchange

According to Главком: Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, has expressed hope that a new prisoner exchange with Russia could take place this week. The last major swap occurred on February 5, 2024, when 157 Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity. These exchanges are a rare point of negotiation in the ongoing war. The group returned in February included:

• Armed Forces personnel
• National Guard troops
• State Border Guard service members
• Civilians

Most of those freed on February 5 had been held captive since 2022. Among them was 27-year-old Mariupol defender Serhiy Mykhailenko, who endured an illegal trial and subsequent imprisonment in a Siberian penal colony. The exchange also saw the rescue of a wounded soldier from the Omega special unit, who had been a prisoner for 27 days.

'We are working on it. I hope it will happen this week,' stated Kyrylo Budanov, expressing optimism for a successful outcome from the negotiations.

Prisoner swaps form a crucial part of humanitarian efforts during the conflict, serving not only to repatriate military personnel and civilians but also to bolster national morale. Given the prolonged captivity endured by many, progress in these talks has a profound impact on their families and communities. Budanov's expectation may signal intensified diplomatic efforts in this area, which remains vital for maintaining a channel of dialogue and addressing urgent human needs.