Ukraine, Russia strike preliminary deal for systematic POW exchanges in 2025

Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said this in an interview with Rada TV channel.

"There is currently a preliminary agreement that prisoner exchanges in 2025 should become systematic, with priority given to the return of the seriously ill and severely wounded. It was also tentatively agreed that every Ukrainian prisoner of war and civilian hostage will receive a care package from Ukraine with the help of the ICRC. We will see if the Russian side keeps its word," said the Ombudsman.

As a reminder, on December 30, Ukraine secured the release of 189 defenders from captivity. This marked the 11th exchange since the beginning of 2024.

Meanwhile, according to Ukrainian prosecutors, Russian forces have executed at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war since the full-scale invasion began, 127 of them in 2024.

"The trend is very clear, very obvious," said Yurii Bielousov, head of the Main Military Directorate of Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office. 

"Executions became systematic starting in November of last year and continued throughout this year. Unfortunately, their number increased significantly in the summer and fall of this year. This tells us that these are not isolated incidents. They are happening across large areas and have clear indications of being part of a policy—there is evidence of corresponding orders being issued.”