Ukraine has unmatched global experience in prisoner swaps

Ukrainian military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko writes about it on his Telegram channel. 

Yet while much attention has been given to Ukraine’s military ingenuity, far less has been said about another exceptional achievement: its unique and sustained efforts to repatriate prisoners of war and recover the bodies of the fallen—all without a ceasefire in place.

Unlike most countries, which rely on armistices or post-conflict arrangements to negotiate prisoner exchanges, Ukraine has managed to conduct regular swaps under active wartime conditions. These efforts run counter to the Geneva Conventions’ Articles 118 and 119, which traditionally govern the release and repatriation of POWs under conditions of peace.

Despite frequent disruptions and refusals by Russia—especially during the early stages of the full-scale invasion—Ukraine developed tools and strategies to pressure the Kremlin into returning to the negotiating table. Over time, this process became more systematic. In June alone, hundreds of Ukrainian POWs were brought home.

Today, Russia no longer outright rejects negotiations but often accompanies the exchange process with large-scale disinformation campaigns and intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities. 

The goal is twofold: to undermine the emotional impact of each successful return and to distract the Russian public from uncomfortable questions about why POW swaps are happening at all—especially while the war rages on.

Russia’s reluctance also stems from its apparent disregard for its own soldiers. Unless the captured are officers, pilots, or special forces, the Russian military leadership shows little interest in their fate. Ukrainian efforts have arguably brought more Russian soldiers home than the Kremlin would have on its own.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has established a comprehensive support system for both former prisoners and the families of those still in captivity or missing. This includes legal, financial, and psychological assistance, along with programs for reintegration and rehabilitation. The contrast is stark: while Russian POWs typically face retribution, forced redeployment, or neglect, Ukrainian soldiers returning from captivity receive care, recognition, and reintegration support.

As Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty, it’s not only rewriting the rules of modern warfare but also setting new standards for humanitarian conduct. Its experience with prisoner exchanges is not just a logistical success—it’s a moral victory and a model of resilience, compassion, and statecraft in wartime.

On Thursday, June 19, another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. Ukrainian soldiers from the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service returned home from Russian captivity.