US President Donald Trump on Friday announced what he described as a “major” prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, calling the development a potential step toward broader peace efforts.
“A major prisoners swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation. This could lead to something big???” he added, without offering further details.
His remarks came after both nations had earlier agreed during negotiations in Istanbul to exchange 1,000 prisoners each—one of the largest swaps since the war began. This month, each side had already released 205 soldiers as part of an earlier agreement.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both countries have regularly carried out prisoner exchanges, often facilitated through third-party mediators.
The announcement also follows reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump recently discussed a separate bilateral prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia.
Despite Trump’s ongoing call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, Kremlin officials have dismissed the proposal, maintaining that conditions on the battlefield and security demands must first be addressed.
What you should know
Former President Donald Trump has announced a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, following reports of ongoing negotiations in Istanbul.
Both countries reportedly agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each, although official confirmation and full details remain pending.
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