Russia, Ukraine discuss resuming prisoner exchanges after four-month pause

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova and her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Lubinets, have held talks aimed at resuming prisoner exchanges between the two countries after a pause of more than four months. In a statement on Telegram, Moskalkova said she raised “the issue of urgent unblocking of prisoner exchanges” and provided Lubinets with a list of Ukrainian servicemen held in Russia who could be released.

Talks in Geneva Under Red Cross Mediation

Although the exact location and timing of the meeting were not detailed, both officials indicated they were in Geneva on Friday, where separate discussions were held with International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric. Moskalkova claimed the Russian Defense Ministry has proposed multiple exchange formats but accused Kyiv of delaying decisions. She also emphasized the need to repatriate wounded Russian prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

Background of Past Exchanges and Agreements

The last major prisoner swap occurred in October, when 185 captives were returned by each side. Previous rounds of negotiations in Istanbul led to agreements on a “1,000 for 1,000” exchange framework, plans for additional large-scale swaps, the return of fallen soldiers’ remains, and a deal to repatriate at least 1,200 prisoners from each side. The current hiatus reflects both logistical complications and heightened battlefield tensions as the war continues.

Humanitarian and Political Significance

Prisoner exchanges remain one of the few functioning channels of dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv, offering humanitarian relief to affected families and occasional diplomatic openings. However, progress is often slow and subject to political and military calculations on both sides. Resuming swaps would address urgent humanitarian concerns while potentially creating momentum for broader, though limited, cooperation amid a still-active conflict.