First Group of Ukrainian Soldiers Returned Under Istanbul Agreements

Ukraine has secured the release of the first group of military personnel held in Russian captivity within the so-called Istanbul agreements, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reports.

The group includes soldiers under the age of 25, comprising privates and sergeants from the Ground Forces, Air Assault Forces, Territorial Defense, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service.

Those freed include servicemen who defended Mariupol and spent over three years in captivity.

The exchange is part of a broader agreement and covers specific prisoner categories, including those under 25, as well as severely wounded and seriously ill detainees, the headquarters noted. It added that this was the first phase of a larger ongoing exchange process.

Efforts are also underway to repatriate the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

Those released will receive full state support, including restored identity documents, financial compensation for the period spent in captivity, a one-time allowance, and a medical rehabilitation program.

“The 66th exchange of prisoners is underway,” the agency stated, adding that for security reasons, the final number of those released will be disclosed after the process concludes.

Ukrainian service members freed from Russian captivity, June 9, 2025. Photo credits: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

The return follows a series of three exchanges in May within the 1000 for 1000 framework. On May 23, 390 Ukrainian service members were released, followed by 307 on May 24, and another 303 on May 25.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported on May 17 that it had begun preparing for the large-scale exchange, compiling a list of Russian prisoners held in Ukraine who could be repatriated.

The 1000 for 1000 swap was the sixth exchange in 2025 and the 65th since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since March 2022, a total of 5,757 Ukrainian citizens have been freed through coordinated exchanges, with an additional 536 returned through separate efforts.