The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced that agreements have been reached with the Russian side regarding regular prisoner exchanges in 2025.
In an interview with the "Rada" TV channel, he stated that a preliminary agreement is already in place to make the exchanges systematic, prioritizing the return of those who are seriously ill or severely injured. Additionally, it was agreed that every Ukrainian military prisoner and civilian hostage will receive humanitarian aid from Ukraine through the ICRC.
Lubinets also emphasized the need to see if the Russian side will fulfill its obligations.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, there were 11 exchanges with Russia in 2024, resulting in the return of 3,956 individuals, of whom 1,358 were in 2024.
The last exchange took place on December 30, when 189 Ukrainian defenders were successfully returned.