Ukraine and Russia Agree to “All-for-All” POW Exchange for Youth and Seriously Ill

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to exchange all seriously ill prisoners of war and those under the age of 25, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov following the talks in Istanbul on June 2.

“We agreed on an ‘all-for-all’ exchange of severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. The second category includes young soldiers aged 18 to 25—also ‘all-for-all.’ We also agreed on the return of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side,” Umerov said.

He added that the Ukrainian delegation proposed holding a leaders’ summit between June 20 and 30.

“This is very important for the negotiation process,” he emphasized.

The talks in Istanbul have concluded after lasting just over an hour, and preparations for a new prisoner exchange are now underway, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at a press conference.

During the meeting, Ukraine and Russia exchanged memorandums outlining terms for a potential ceasefire and an end to the war. Ukraine also submitted a list of Ukrainian children to be returned from Russia.

The Turkish side described the outcome of the negotiations as "not negative."

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