Russia and Ukraine Hold First POW Exchange Talks in Months
For the first time, Russia has initiated communication with Ukraine about prisoner-of-war (POW) exchanges. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said this in an interview on December 18.
Lubinets explained that Russia took the initiative at the start of Ukraine’s military operation in Kursk Oblast. He believes this operation provided strong arguments for Ukraine.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, there have been nearly 60 prisoner exchanges between the two countries. About 3,600 Ukrainians have been freed, but tens of thousands are still held captive.
During a recent incursion into Kursk Oblast, Ukraine captured hundreds of Russian conscript soldiers. Some were exchanged during the 58th swap on October 18.
Russia Still Engages in Hybrid Warfare
Lubinets said Russia continues to use hybrid warfare against Ukraine, including in the context of prisoner exchanges. He claimed that Moscow undermines Ukrainian authorities and the negotiation process.
A recent example is the crash of a Russian plane carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs. Russia claimed all the prisoners died in the crash, but Ukraine has not confirmed this and called for an international investigation.
Ukraine’s allies have increased economic and military support to strengthen Kyiv’s hand before potential peace talks.
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