Ukraine's Defense Minister Umerov confirms ongoing POW exchanges with Russia
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that the exchange of prisoners with Russia, part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, will proceed over the next few days, adding that negotiations are "ongoing continuously," according to a Telegram post on June 9.
"Our defenders are already returning home—young men under the age of 25," the minister said.
“It’s a very emotional moment and, at the same time, the result of coordinated efforts by the President of Ukraine, the negotiation team, defense forces, diplomats, and our international partners.”
Umerov also emphasized the continuation of "extremely sensitive and painful work" on the large-scale repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers, referring to the return of over 6,000 Ukrainian defenders "on the shield."
On June 9, Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange within the framework of the agreement to return wounded, severely ill, and citizens under 25 years old.
Among those returned were injured and severely wounded individuals, as well as those younger than 25. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the complexity and sensitivity of the process, with negotiations with Russia occurring "almost daily."
On June 2, the second meeting of delegations from Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul. The parties agreed on a "all for all" prisoner exchange for those who are severely ill, wounded, or under the age of 25.
On the same day, Zelenskyy stated that under the new exchange agreement, Ukraine could potentially repatriate up to 1,200 Ukrainian citizens.
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