Russia and Ukraine Exchange Hundreds of Prisoners, Part of War's Biggest Swap

What Happened?

Almost 800 people were released on Friday as part of a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

It marks the first phase of confidence-building measures both parties agreed on during recent peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey.

The two sides agreed to a 1,000-person exchange from each country with the help of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

'We are bringing our people home,' Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday on social media platform X.

He added that 390 people arrived back to Ukraine on Friday including 270 military members and 120 civilians.

'We will continue our diplomatic efforts to make such steps possible,' Zelensky stated.

The released prisoners were reportedly brought to a meeting place in several buses after being released from Russian custody at the Ukrainian border.

Many were given Ukrainian flags at the border, like in previous exchanges.

Ukraine also handed over Russian soldiers at the border to the Russian authorities.

Why it Matters

During peace talks, both sides had agreed to share, in writing, their vision for a ceasefire as the ongoing war in Kyiv continues.

But so far, the U.S.-led effort has failed to produce a ceasefire.

Following a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump recently suggested that ceasefire negotiations would begin 'immediately.'

However, President Trump has reportedly been urged by world leaders to pressure Russia with new sanctions over the delay.

Europe and Britain are among the nations that believe peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine have reset.

The U.K. and Europe announced major sanctions last week against Russia following Trump's call with Putin.

Moscow's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers and financial companies are the center of these sanctions that have reportedly helped Russia throughout its war with Ukraine.

According to reports, the view of Trump's discussions with Putin failed to render any meaningful concessions.

Many have grown more wary of Moscow after rejecting the U.S.-proposed ceasefire for 30 days that Ukraine had agreed to.

Zelensky accused Russia of 'trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation.'

How it Affects You

Despite the U.S. joining these sanction efforts, the pressure on Russia remains.

Russian strikes continue to impact Ukraine as it displays a fresh military offensive.

Ukraine has reported 177 combat clashes with Russia and more than 1,000 casualties in a recent 24-hour period.

Russia's attempts to stall from committing to an unconditional ceasefire have been met with tougher challenges.

Although Trump told reporters he soon wanted to meet with Putin, the Russian leader insists that Ukraine and Russia negotiations would take time.

But there's some hope from Friday's first phase of committing to a 1,000-person exchange that could be critical for both sides to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.