**Ukraine Speaks Out on Prisoner Exchange**
The recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia has left many in Ukraine feeling uneasy. The exchange, which saw 1,000 Russian prisoners released for 1,000 Ukrainian captives, included a man named Anatolii Taranenko, who is accused of collaborating with the Russians. But was he supposed to be part of the swap?
According to Andrii Yusov, deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POW), Ukraine had no say in who Russia decided to release. “We could not influence the list,” he said. “Russia handed over who it was ready to hand over, and Ukraine as well.” The exchange was carried out in a short time frame, which may have limited Ukraine’s ability to negotiate.
**Questions Over Taranenko’s Release**
Taranenko, a Ukrainian service member, has been accused of collaborating with Russia. He surrendered to Russian proxy forces in Donetsk Oblast in 2021 and was later featured in Russian media as part of staged propaganda stunts. The accusations are serious, but Ukraine has not officially confirmed them.
Ukrainian investigators are working to identify Taranenko and verify the allegations. If the claims are true, law enforcement agencies will take action, Yusov warned. However, many in Ukraine feel that the release of Taranenko is a slap in the face. The prisoner exchange was expected to include Azov fighters and civilians who had been held captive by Russia for years.
**Limited Transparency**
One of the concerns surrounding the prisoner exchange is the lack of transparency. While Russia reported releasing Anatolii Taranenko, Ukraine has not published an official list of those released. This has led to speculation and criticism that Ukraine may have failed to secure the release of important individuals.
**Ukraine’s Priorities**
Yusov emphasized that Ukraine is committed to fighting for every citizen. Despite the challenges posed by the full-scale war, Ukrainian officials are working tirelessly to repatriate captives, including those from the Mariupol garrison. The prisoner exchange was a positive development, but it highlights the need for greater transparency and cooperation between Ukraine and Russia.
**What’s Next?**
The prisoner exchange is just one aspect of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As both sides continue to negotiate, it’s essential that they prioritize transparency and fairness in any future exchanges. The people of Ukraine deserve to know who is being released and why.
