Largest Prisoner Swap Between Russia and Ukraine Completed, 1,000 Prisoners Freed” – President Donald Trump

Largest Prisoner Swap Between Russia and Ukraine Completed, 1,000 Prisoners Freed” – President Donald Trump
[Washington, May 23, 2025]

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a “major prisoner exchange” between Russia and Ukraine has been completed.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:

“A big prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine has been completed. It will take effect shortly. Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation.”

Trump added:

“Could this lead to something much bigger???”
— seemingly hinting at international diplomatic efforts to end the war.

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv or Moscow. However, sources indicate that both countries reached an agreement last week in Istanbul through direct talks to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.

A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that the prisoner exchange began on Friday, marking a significant step after more than three years of war between Russia and Ukraine.

However, the official noted that the exchange has not yet been fully completed. The official, who requested anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to the media, declined to be named.

Moscow has not yet officially confirmed the initiation of the exchange.

The White House and the National Security Council were also contacted for further information, but there was no immediate response.