Russia spreads disinformation about why prisoner swaps stopped: what's their goal

This information comes from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

"In the coming days, the aggressor country's propaganda channels will unleash another wave of disinformation regarding the suspension of prisoner-of-war exchanges. The Russian special services aim to sow distrust in Ukrainian society and destabilize confidence in the state bodies overseeing these exchanges," the message stated.

Since the summer of 2023, despite Ukraine's efforts to continue the humanitarian mission of repatriation of prisoners of war, Russian representatives have consistently complicated the exchange process.

The headquarters stressed that the Russian side is preparing accusations against Ukraine to justify its inaction. 

Specifically, the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War of the Russian Federation is gearing up to accuse Ukraine of exaggerating exchange requirements and intending to repatriate servicemen from all units, especially those targeted by Russian propaganda.

The Russian Federation persists in violating international humanitarian law, exploiting the prisoner issue for information and psychological operations against Ukrainian society, particularly affecting the families of prisoners and missing persons.

"On our side, the negotiation process remains unchanged, successfully bringing home over 300 defenders every month. The opposing side's attempt to make excuses instead of continuing the humanitarian mission reveals little concern for the fate of numerous Russian prisoners of war, especially those captured during recent “meat” assaults, and their families" emphasized the message.

• The Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War urged against sharing information about prisoners and missing persons with strangers.