#Prisoner Exchange

The Head of the President's Office announced a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine as early as next week, expecting prompt implementation of agreements.

Zelensky stated Ukraine's readiness to respond proportionally to Russian strikes on the power grid and proposed a phased negotiation path toward a cessation of hostilities.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Turkey, Nariman Jelyal, stated that Ankara views the freeze on negotiations with Russia with anxiety but avoids harsh assessments. The only working track remains prisoner exchanges, and Kyiv is ready for a leaders’ meeting in Turkey.

Head of the Office of the President Budanov confirmed on the telethon that dialogue with Russia is limited to prisoner exchanges, and a major swap is planned for the near future. There is no talk of negotiations on ending the war.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe secretly arrived in Moscow on a military C-17A on August 25. CBS News reports closed-door talks: Ukraine, prisoner exchange, Iran. Neither the White House nor the Kremlin confirmed the visit.

On 24 August, Ukraine returned 10 military personnel from captivity via Belarus who had been missing in action on the Donetsk axis. The exchange was timed to coincide with Independence Day and became the second stage of the August series of operations.

Putin ordered the government to restore warehouses damaged during a month-long Ukrainian operation since July 18 and declared economic growth. On August 19, the sides exchanged 103 prisoners each.

Russia confirmed the location of 79 Ukrainian soldiers who were considered missing. This was announced by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubyntsev during negotiations held on August 19, 2026.

On August 19, 2026, the 77th prisoner exchange took place: 103 Ukrainians returned home from Russian captivity. Among them were individuals aged 26 to 59, representing the Armed Forces, SBGS, and NGU. Russia received 103 of its own captives in exchange.