New Prisoner Swap Announced by Ukraine's Budanov Following Recent Pause.

Prisoner of War Exchange Resumes

According to Novyny.live: After a pause in the latter half of 2025, Ukraine has resumed prisoner exchanges with Russia. Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, has announced preparations for the next swap, which could take place in the coming days. He stated:

"We are working on it. I hope it will happen this week. I do not want to disclose the number, but it is a significant figure, larger than the last time."

The most recent exchange occurred on February 5, which saw 157 people returned to Ukraine. The majority of these individuals were captured in 2022. These swaps are a critical, albeit challenging, component of the ongoing conflict. Currently, approximately seven thousand Ukrainians are held in Russian captivity, while Ukraine holds over four thousand Russian military personnel. The prisoner exchange process remains a vital step in maintaining humanitarian channels between the two nations.

Humanitarian Dimensions of the Swap

The resumption of prisoner swaps underscores the critical humanitarian aspects within the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Given the large number of individuals still in captivity, such exchanges can serve as an important step toward improving the humanitarian situation and potentially rebuilding a degree of trust between the sides.

The next planned exchange, expected within days, could send a significant signal about a willingness for dialogue and a move toward resolving the conflict through peaceful means.