Ukraine and Russia Poised for Major Prisoner Swap as Early as Next Week, Says Budanov

Outlook on the Upcoming Prisoner Exchange

According to 5 канал: A significant prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation could take place as soon as next week, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office. He emphasized that

'it should happen very quickly, in the near future. I believe within the week.'

Budanov expressed hopeful anticipation for this development.

Ukraine has previously conducted large-scale prisoner swaps. Notably, on August 19, a major exchange resulted in the return of 103 Ukrainian military personnel. Another phase occurred on August 24, when Ukraine successfully repatriated 10 servicemen from the Armed Forces and National Guard via Belarus. Those released on August 24 had been missing in action and had been defending Ukraine’s positions in the Donetsk region.

Composition of the Returned Military Personnel

The freed servicemen represent multiple branches, including:

• Ukraine’s Armed Forces
• The State Border Guard Service
• The National Guard of Ukraine

They served on various fronts such as Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Sumy.

The successful releases reflect coordinated efforts from the Joint Center for the Search and Release of Prisoners, the Coordination Headquarters on Prisoner Affairs, and other authorized agencies. This process highlights Ukraine’s commitment to bringing its defenders back home.

The prospect of a new prisoner exchange marks a crucial humanitarian milestone for Ukraine, where returning military personnel remains a top priority. It also signals ongoing dialogue between the two sides despite strained relations, potentially paving the way for further peace negotiations. Prisoner swaps not only facilitate the safe return of soldiers but also underscore the importance of humanitarian considerations amid the conflict.