KYIV - Ukrainian officials announced on Saturday that a significant prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives from each side could occur next week. This confirmation follows recent peace talks held in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia.

Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukrainian intelligence, expressed optimism about the impending swap, stating in an interview with TSN, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine, "I hope it will happen next week. There will be an exchange - whoever we can take, we will take. And give it back in the same way.”

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s Defense Minister and leader of Kyiv’s delegation at the talks, noted that both parties have reached an agreement in principle regarding the exchange format and timeline. "We know the date, but we won’t say it yet," he remarked.

Volodymyr Medinsky, an aide to the Russian president and the chief negotiator for Russia, also confirmed that the preparations for the proposed "1,000 for 1,000" exchange are currently underway.

Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, added that the formal process of returning Ukrainian prisoners of war has commenced.

This meeting on May 16 in Istanbul was part of Türkiye’s ongoing mediation efforts to facilitate a resolution to the war, focusing on humanitarian concerns such as ceasefire agreements and the release of prisoners.

While both sides remain at odds on larger political matters, this agreement represents a positive step towards de-escalation efforts. -