Ukraine and Russia appear poised for a major prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange following days of mutual accusations over delayed implementation of a June 2 agreement. The deal, which also includes repatriating soldiers' remains, has faced setbacks as both sides allege violations of the negotiated terms.
Negotiations in Peril?
Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky claimed Ukraine 'unexpectedly postponed' accepting bodies and finalizing the swap, while Moscow's defense ministry accused Kyiv of refusing to set a date. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for POWs countered that Russia engaged in 'dirty games' by altering agreed parameters.
Scale and Stakes
If completed, this would mark the conflict's largest POW exchange, surpassing last month's 1,000-for-1,000 swap mediated in Türkiye. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially suggested the exchange would occur this weekend, while Russia stated readiness for immediate action from Saturday through Monday.
Path Forward
Despite public friction, both nations maintain technical readiness for the swap. The outcome could influence future negotiations and humanitarian efforts in the ongoing conflict, with global observers monitoring compliance with international war protocols.
