**Ukraine Begins Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange with Russia**
In a significant development, Ukraine has started a new exchange process with Russia, which will take place in several stages. The final figures regarding the released Ukrainians will be announced later for security reasons.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared this information on Telegram and through the Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner of War Affairs, the first group of released servicemen under the age of 25 is already returning home. This initial phase marks the beginning of a larger-scale exchange that will continue within the framework of agreements reached earlier.
The released defenders come from various branches of Ukraine’s armed forces, including the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service. Among those freed are representatives from Mariupol, who spent more than three years in captivity.
**Complex Process with Multiple Stages**
The exchange process is complex and involves sensitive details that require ongoing negotiations almost daily. President Zelensky emphasized that the agreements on humanitarian issues reached during the Istanbul meeting should be fully implemented. He added that all efforts are being made to bring everyone back home, working at all levels.
**Repatriation of Bodies and Other Categories**
The exchange concerns specific categories of prisoners of war, including those under 25 years old, severely wounded, and seriously ill captives. Work is also ongoing to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who died defending their homeland. The Coordination Headquarters assures that the returned defenders will be provided with everything necessary, including restored documents, monetary compensation, a one-time assistance payment, and medical rehabilitation.
**Background on Agreements Reached**
At the negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, Ukraine and Russia agreed on the return of “6,000 for 6,000” bodies of fallen soldiers. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations also agreed on the exchange of “all for all” severely wounded and young servicemen aged 18 to 25. President Zelensky reported that out of the 6,000 bodies Russia intends to hand over, only 15% have been identified.
**Russia’s Fake Claims**
On June 6, Russia spread a fake claim about the alleged start of repatriation efforts, then later stated that “Ukraine refused to collect the bodies of its citizens.” The Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner of War Affairs emphasized that the aggressor state is exploiting this sensitive issue and assured that preparations for the exchange are ongoing.
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