An important discussion regarding the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war has erupted in Kyiv. During a meeting with students of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the head of the President's Office of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, made an unexpected statement: a new prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia could take place in the coming days.
"Are there red lines?"
Before announcing the news, Budanov was prompted by a question from one of the students. She asked if there were any "red lines" for him regarding exchanges. The head of the President's Office did not answer immediately; instead, he asked a counter-question: "Please tell me, does the value of human life exist for you, or not?"
The student replied that human life is priceless. Budanov then continued: "And if it is priceless, is there anything that can be disregarded?" This dialogue became a prelude to an important announcement.
New exchange — in the coming days
Following the philosophical conversation, Budanov briefly announced that a new prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia could take place in the coming days. He did not specify details — neither the number of participants nor the format of the deal. However, the fact of the statement from the head of the President's Office indicates that negotiations are in the final stages.
Last exchange: 185 military personnel and one civilian
Recall that the last major exchange between the parties took place on June 5 — this was the second stage of the large-scale "1000 for 1000" operation. At that time, 185 Ukrainian military personnel and one civilian returned home. Among them were fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service, some of whom had been in captivity since 2022.
The first stage of this exchange took place on May 15 based on agreements reached with US mediation. At that time, it was possible to return 205 Ukrainian defenders.
More than 9,000 returned from captivity
According to the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country has returned more than 9,000 of its citizens from Russian captivity. Among them are hundreds of civilians whom Russia held illegally.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) also reported that Kyiv continues to work on returning those who fell into captivity as early as 2014 — in particular, in Crimea and the Donbas. These people remain in the sights of Ukrainian special services despite years of imprisonment.
What's next?
Budanov's new statement instills hope in the families of those still waiting for their loved ones. If the exchange really takes place in the coming days, it will be another step towards restoring justice and returning home those who have been separated from their families for years.
Ukraine does not stop fighting for every citizen — whether a soldier or a civilian. And as long as there is an opportunity, Kyiv will use all channels — diplomatic, intelligence, humanitarian — to return those who remain in captivity.