Moscow and Kyiv Devastated by Attacks and Counterattacks—Just a Day Later, 1,000 POWs to Be Released in Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks
In a significant meeting held today in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a major prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange. During an online press briefing following the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that both sides had agreed to release 1,000 prisoners each, totaling 2,000 POWs. He also mentioned the possibility of an additional 200 detainees being freed.
Zelenskyy stated,
“Our representatives handed over a list of nearly 400 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia, and we demand their safe return.”
However, he expressed concern that Russia initially agreed to return only 10 children, which has deeply alarmed the Ukrainian side.
The President further revealed that Ukraine recently achieved a major success in a military operation named "Operation Spider's Web". In this mission, Ukrainian forces utilized surveillance and offensive tactics in Russian-occupied territories to gain strategic advantage. He claimed this operation has restored confidence among allied nations.
According to analysts, amid the ongoing intensity of the war and worsening humanitarian crisis, this POW exchange marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough. However, Russia’s limited cooperation in returning abducted children continues to be a cause for serious concern.
Nonetheless, many observers view this dialogue as a potential starting point for future peace negotiations.
