**Ukraine and Russia Begin Prisoner Exchange as Part of Peace Talks**
In a significant development, Ukraine has initiated a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia. The move comes after recent peace talks in Istanbul, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian officials negotiated an agreement. On June 9, President Zelensky confirmed the start of the exchange, stating that Ukrainians are being released from Russian captivity.
The first stage of the prisoner swap involves the return of wounded and severely wounded prisoners, as well as those under 25 years old. This initial group includes personnel from various Ukrainian military branches, including the Navy, Ground Forces, Air Force, National Guard, Border Guard Service, Territorial Defense, and State Special Transport Service. Among those being released are defenders of Mariupol who had spent over three years in captivity.
This prisoner exchange marks a crucial step towards implementing the agreement reached during the second round of direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has confirmed that all those returned in this stage are enlisted and noncommissioned soldiers.
**Commentary**
The start of the prisoner exchange is a positive sign, indicating that both sides are committed to finding common ground through negotiations. However, it remains to be seen how successful this first stage will be in leading to further progress on other aspects of the peace talks. The return of wounded and severely wounded prisoners, as well as those under 25, suggests that efforts are being made to prioritize humanitarian concerns.
**Analysis**
The prisoner exchange is a significant development, but its impact should not be overstated. While it may lead to some improvement in relations between Ukraine and Russia, the underlying issues driving the conflict remain unresolved. The true test of this agreement will lie in its ability to translate into tangible progress on other key aspects of the peace talks, such as the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
**What’s Next?**
As the prisoner exchange continues over several stages, attention will shift towards the subsequent phases and their potential implications for the conflict. Will this development mark a turning point in the war, or is it merely a temporary respite? Only time will tell.
