The article reports on a large-scale prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, with 1,000 Ukrainian service members being repatriated. The exchange was agreed upon during peace talks in Istanbul and marked the largest single prisoner swap during the war. However, many Ukrainians are frustrated that no Azov fighters were included in the release, despite thousands of civilians and military families campaigning for their release.
The article also notes that Colonel Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Azov Corps, criticized the exchange as a “mockery” due to the omission of Azov fighters. The siege of Mariupol and the defense of Azovstal steel plant are mentioned as significant events in the war, where Azov servicemen played a crucial role.
The article concludes by stating that Ukraine has long advocated for an “all-for-all” exchange, but Russia has so far rejected this proposal.
