The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Russia regarding a potential prisoner exchange. Ukraine has submitted a list of 1,000 individuals to the Russian side, organized based on the duration of their captivity since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion.
According to the headquarters, the compilation of this list has been consistently agreed upon by authorized negotiators from both Ukraine and Russia. They describe this humanitarian approach as fair, emphasizing the involvement and support of the United States. This initiative reflects Ukraine’s commitment to its defenders and is viewed as a step toward achieving a just peace.
The Coordination Headquarters reiterated that the negotiation process is currently active. They urged all parties to refrain from disseminating unverified information from unofficial sources to maintain the effectiveness of the talks.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on May 9 that no proposals for prisoner exchanges had been received from the Ukrainian side. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on May 10 that Ukraine had indeed provided Russia with the list of 1,000 individuals for exchange and is awaiting support from American partners to ensure the agreements are fulfilled.
In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia on May 8. Zelensky confirmed the ceasefire from May 9 to 11 and announced the planned exchange of prisoners in a 1,000-for-1,000 format. Zelensky also authorized a Russian parade on May 9 as part of the ceasefire agreement. Russia has agreed to support Trump’s initiative for the ceasefire and the exchange.
Negotiations for a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia are actively ongoing, with Ukraine presenting a list of 1,000 captives based on their duration of captivity. The talks are supported by the United States, as both sides aim for a humanitarian resolution amidst the ongoing conflict.