Zelenskyy: POW swap expected soon, Russia signals release of 500

RBC-Ukraine reported the information.

"Today, our teams held consultations regarding exchanges. The Russian side conveyed information that this weekend—on Saturday and Sunday—they will be able to hand over 500 people, our servicemen, from the more than 1,000 we agreed upon... So far, we have not received the lists. This time, unlike the previous Istanbul meeting, the Russians promised to provide the lists in advance of whom we are exchanging, which is important for us. But we still haven’t received the lists; again, there are some reasons... The Russians say they will be ready to carry out the first two exchanges on Saturday and Sunday," Zelenskyy said.

According to the president, after the prisoner exchange, there may be an exchange of bodies. In particular, Kyiv has information that Russia has identified 15-20% of all the bodies they have.

"It is important that we receive the bodies of Ukrainians, not Russians whom they want to get rid of, because there has already been such a precedent. That’s why our position is that after the exchange (of prisoners), preparations for the exchange of bodies will begin. Again, due to technically important reasons, we believe it should be done in this order," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.

Russia's statement

Later, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and representative of dictator Vladimir Putin, stated their readiness to begin an exchange on June 7th, 8th, and 9th.

"Final figures are being agreed upon regarding the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine; it could involve 1,200 people," he added, according to Kommersant.

• On June 2, negotiations took place in Istanbul. Ukraine and Russia agreed on an "all for all" exchange for three categories.