**Ukraine Working on Long-Awaited Prisoner Exchange with Russia**
In a major breakthrough, Ukraine is moving forward with a previously agreed-upon prisoner exchange plan with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 21 that his country is working to release all its people unconditionally as part of the exchange.
The prisoner swap was first discussed between Ukrainian and Russian delegations at peace talks in Istanbul on May 16. The talks were the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since 2022, when Russia issued maximalist demands to Ukraine, including abandoning NATO membership aspirations and making significant territorial concessions.
However, despite hopes for a breakthrough, the talks ultimately yielded little progress on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Instead of a ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted on negotiating a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty.”
**A Long-Fought Demand**
The all-for-all prisoner exchange is a demand that Ukraine has long made, but Moscow had so far refused. Now, with the plan moving forward, many are hoping it will bring some much-needed relief to families affected by the war.
“Ukraine’s goal is to release all our people unconditionally,” Zelensky said in an evening address on May 21. “We’re working hard to ensure this exchange goes as planned.”
**Preparations Underway**
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced on May 17 that it had launched preparatory steps for the large-scale prisoner exchange, involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Zelensky noted that daily reports are being prepared to ensure the exchange proceeds smoothly.
While this is a positive development, it’s essential to note that Ukraine has yet to achieve an end to Russia’s war efforts. The ongoing conflict continues to have devastating consequences for civilians and soldiers alike.
**The Road Ahead**
As Ukraine moves forward with this prisoner exchange, there are hopes that it may pave the way for further negotiations on ending the conflict. However, given Russia’s past maximalist demands, many remain cautious about what lies ahead.
In a statement following his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19, Putin reiterated his insistence on negotiating a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty,” rather than agreeing to a ceasefire.
For now, Ukraine remains committed to releasing all its people unconditionally as part of the prisoner exchange. The success of this effort will be crucial in determining what steps come next in the complex and ongoing saga between Russia and Ukraine.
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