Ukraine's Officials Dismiss Russia’s Claim of 630 POW Exchange as Propaganda

Russia has announced its purported willingness to exchange 630 Ukrainian prisoners of war, but Ukrainian officials warn this could be another instance of provocation and propaganda. This was stated by Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of the Coordination Staff for Prisoner of War Affairs, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claimed that "the current list includes 630 Ukrainian prisoners of war, whom Russia is ready to immediately transfer to Kyiv on a parity basis." She added that the lists had been handed over to Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Dmytro Usov.

In response, Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Coordination Staff for Prisoner of War Affairs, dismissed the announcement as another example of Russian propaganda.

"The Russians have repeatedly used propaganda, including in the Ukrainian media space, to sow discord among the families of our defenders, employing blatant lies," Yusov stated.

He emphasized that despite loud public declarations, Russia has failed to engage with official mechanisms to initiate the exchange process.

"We have repeatedly confirmed our readiness for exchanges, including the return of severely wounded and sick individuals, the release of women, exchanges in the 'all-for-all' format, and the unconditional release of Ukrainian civilians," Yusov said.

Yusov also criticized Russia for ignoring the creation and operation of international mixed medical commissions, a mechanism outlined in the Geneva Conventions.

"The Russian aggressor is, in fact, not even interested in returning its own mercenaries and occupiers," he added.

Previously, it was reported that Russia has established a structured system of torture targeting Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), employing trained individuals to carry out these acts.