Returning home: Ukraine and Russia swap prisoners of war

author cws August 26, 2025

9 1 minute read

Ukraine and Russia begin largest prisoner swap since invasion : NPR — NPR

Joel Dullroy

August 25, 2025

On the day Ukraine marked its independence, 146 captured personnel, including military, civilians and some journalists were allowed to return home. The latest swap, which saw the same number of Russians prisoners return, was agreed after negotiations in Istanbul earlier this year.

Ukrainian soldiers returned home after over three years in Russian captivity, some held since the invasion’s early days. Families reunited in emotional scenes, but the moment also highlighted deep trauma and the 70,000 Ukrainians still missing.

The release coincided with Independence Day, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed continued resistance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on a visit to Kyiv, joined in with his support.