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Moscow Backtracks on Istanbul POW Deal, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense Says Says
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has accused Russia of attempting to alter the terms of a previously agreed prisoner exchange and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
According to official statements released on June 7, the Russian side is reportedly backtracking on commitments made during negotiations in Istanbul.
The agreement, reached during a recent meeting in Turkey, outlined a phased exchange of prisoners — prioritizing the severely wounded, injured, and those under the age of 25 — as well as a mutual repatriation of military casualties.
Ukrainian officials claim that Moscow initially confirmed its readiness to proceed but has since attempted to change the agreed framework.
“The Ukrainian side has once again encountered post-agreement manipulation,” the Ministry of Defense stated. “If the Russian delegation now denies the commitments made in Istanbul, it raises questions about the credibility and capacity of their negotiation team.”
In a separate statement, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners of War echoed these concerns.
It reported that while Kyiv had submitted lists of prisoners for exchange in line with the Istanbul framework, Russia provided lists that did not meet the agreed criteria. Ukrainian officials have since responded with clarifications and are awaiting the next step from the Russian side.
Regarding the repatriation of remains, the Coordination Headquarters confirmed that while a general understanding had been reached, Russia took unilateral steps that were not aligned with the coordinated process. No final date for the exchange of bodies had been set.
“Instead of a coordinated approach, Russia has opted for unapproved actions, using sensitive humanitarian issues for political messaging,” the statement said.
Ukrainian authorities reiterated their readiness to continue working within the established framework and urged Russia to return to constructive dialogue and implement the agreed steps without further delay.
Earlier, on June 2, Ukraine and Russia agreed in Istanbul to conduct an “all-for-all” exchange of seriously ill prisoners and those under 25, as well as repatriate 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
