After the ‘attacks’ launched by Volodimir Zelenski to Russia To fail to comply with the war exchange agreement and the repatriation of military bodies, it seems that the process has finally begun, as the Ukrainian president announced today (09.06.2025).
In particular, Zelenski announced that The first group of Ukrainian prisoners of war returned to Ukrainein the context of the latest agreement reached in Constantinople’s talks with Russia.
Both Moscow and Kiev have spent the last few days accusing each other of delaying the exchange, which was agreed during immediate talks in Istanbul last week.
In his post on X (former twitter), Zelenski said the exchange would continue at various stages in the next few days.
Our people are home.
Ukrainians are returning home from Russian captivity. Today, an exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the coming days.
Among those we are bringing back now are the wounded, the severely wounded, and those under the age of 25. The process… pic.twitter.com/tEmJctz5ON– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@zelenskyyua) June 9, 2025
He added that the first team to return was seriously injured, as well as people under 25.
«The process is quite complicated, with many sensitive details, and negotiations continue almost daily“, The Ukrainian president said.
“We do our best for everyone to come back. We are working on it at all levels. We have to bring home to all those who are in captivity. Thanks to everyone who helps, “he added.
Earlier, Russia said it had heard “one hundred different excuses” on why the exchange had not already taken placewith Zelensky accusing Moscow of playing a “dirty and political” game around the exchange of prisoners.