The Main Intelligence Directorate announced a new prisoner exchange

The second phase of a major prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia may take place in the near future and be larger than the previous one.

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, announced this in a statement to Channel 24.

According to Yusov, on August 19, Ukraine repatriated 103 people from Russian captivity. However, this exchange was only the first phase of the agreement, so further exchanges are expected.

“If all goes well, the second phase will be larger than the previous one,” Yusov said.

He also emphasized the important role of international partners in the process of freeing Ukrainians. In particular, Ukraine thanked the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their mediation and assistance in organizing the exchanges.

According to the GUR representative, Ukraine is ready to use every opportunity and engage countries that can help secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and illegally detained civilians.

Yusov stressed that the issue of Ukrainian prisoners is not only a matter for Ukraine but also a serious challenge to international security and compliance with humanitarian law.

Recently, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and Russia. A total of 103 Ukrainian soldiers returned home.

Human Rights CommissionerDmytro Lubinetssaid that the vast majority of those returned—99% of those released—were soldiers and sergeants. The oldest was 59 years old, and the youngest was 26.

Vitaliy Krasnyansky, a resident of the Odesa region, returned from Russian captivity during the exchange.

Андрій Колісніченко