**Ukraine Captures 971 Russian Soldiers in Kursk Oblast, Exchanges Prisoners with Moscow**
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have captured 971 Russian soldiers during their months-long offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces made the announcement on May 25, highlighting the campaign’s importance in conducting prisoner exchanges.
The news comes just a day after Ukraine brought home 303 prisoners of war as part of a 1,000-for-1,000 exchange with Russia. This swap was agreed upon during peace talks held in Turkey on May 16, marking the first direct negotiations between the two countries in three years.
According to the General Staff, the Russian troops were taken captive between August 6, 2024, and May 25, 2025, as part of Ukraine’s ongoing offensive in Kursk Oblast. The military described the campaign as an “unexpected and asymmetric” move that helped fill the so-called “exchange fund” – Ukrainian terminology for captured Russian soldiers who can be traded for Ukrainian POWs.
Critics had previously questioned the strategic value of the Kursk operation, citing high costs and unclear gains. However, the General Staff countered these concerns by saying, “Only unconventional decisions can defeat a numerically superior enemy.” They added that the Kursk campaign has proven to be exactly that – its success recognized around the world.
The May 25 prisoner release brought home soldiers from various branches of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, including the National Guard, Border Guard Service, and Special Transport Service. Families and comrades welcomed the returnees, including 70 troops who had defended Mariupol during the 2022 siege of the port city.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the negotiation team on social media, saying, “We will bring back every single one of our people from Russian captivity.” The recent exchange was carried out in three phases over three days and remains the only tangible outcome of the Turkish-hosted talks.
While Kyiv continues to advocate for an “all-for-all” prisoner swap, Moscow has so far rejected the proposal. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited Kursk Oblast, which was his first known visit to the region since Moscow declared on April 26 that it had completed a military operation to liberate the territory from Ukrainian forces.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces dismissed these claims, saying that operations by the Ukrainian military in the border region are ongoing.
