The "1,000 for 1,000" exchange may continue in the coming days
Ukraine is preparing for the next phase of a major prisoner exchange under the “1,000 for 1,000” format. The Coordination Headquarters reports that negotiations with Russia are ongoing, and a new exchange could take place in the near future. He noted this during a presentation of the project “Made in Russia. Taken Captive.”
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War stated that Ukraine continues to work on a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia. This refers to the “1,000 for 1,000” format, which the parties had previously agreed upon.
Deputy Head of the Coordination Headquarters Andriy Yusov reported that the first phase has already taken place—during which 205 Ukrainian defenders were successfully returned. Negotiations on the next steps are now underway. “205 was the first phase. Discussions are currently underway regarding the next phases of the ‘1,000 for 1,000’ exchange. I hope this will happen in the near future,” Yusov said.
He spoke during a presentation of the project “Made in Russia. Delivered to Captivity,” which is dedicated to the topic of Russian captivity and the return of Ukrainians home.
According to Yusov, the Ukrainian side is simultaneously working on other exchange formats. Because of this, the next return of prisoners may be a combination of formats. “What we have already managed to agree on, and part of the second phase, will be in the ‘1,000 for 1,000’ format,” explained the Coordination Headquarters representative. The headquarters has not specified the exact dates for the next exchange. Nor has it been reported how many people exactly may be returned as part of this new phase.
At the same time, the Ukrainian side emphasizes that negotiations are ongoing. The return of military personnel and civilians from Russian captivity remains one of the Coordination Headquarters’ main priorities.
The issue of prisoner exchanges remains highly sensitive, so most details of the negotiations are not disclosed until the process is complete. Officials explain that excessive publicity could jeopardize the exchanges themselves. Ukraine has previously conducted dozens of exchanges with Russia. Thousands of soldiers, National Guard members, border guards, marines, and Ukrainian civilians have returned home.
The Coordination Headquarters emphasizes that work on the return of prisoners of war does not stop for a single day. They say that Ukraine continues to seek opportunities to return every one of its citizens.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that negotiations on the exchange between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing. The Ukrainian side has submitted the so-called “list of 1,000,” compiled based on the length of time people have spent in Russian captivity.
As a reminder, Ukraine is preparing a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia with U.S. mediation.
According to Yury Ushakov, an adviser to the Russian dictator, Ukraine and Russia are currently working on lists of people who could be included in the exchange. “Today, the agencies of the Russian Federation and Ukraine are to finalize the lists for the prisoner-of-war exchange within the framework of the ceasefire. A 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine could take place fairly quickly if the lists are agreed upon,” Ushakov told Russian media.
The Kremlin also stated that the negotiation process regarding Ukraine is currently on hold and the date of the next round is unknown. Officials there speak of the need for “conditions” that the parties must fulfill before resuming dialogue.
