Ukraine, Russia Agree on 1,000 POW Exchange and Ceasefire

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees on each side, alongside a temporary ceasefire from May 9 to May 11. President Zelensky said the deal, mediated by the United States, prioritizes the return of Ukrainian prisoners over symbolic wartime considerations. The agreement marks one of the largest exchanges since the start of the conflict. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied 72nd prisoner exchange on Saturday, April 11. (Photo by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War/Telegram) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and Russia have agreed to carry out a large‑scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees on each side, marking a major humanitarian step amid the ongoing war. The agreement was reached through US ‑mediated negotiations, with preparations for the exchange already underway, Zelensky said on Friday in a post on Telegram . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Ukraine is consistently working to return its people from Russian captivity,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that humanitarian considerations remain central to Ukraine’s position. The exchange is expected to coincide with a temporary ceasefire from May 9 to May 11, days that align with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Zelensky said Ukraine’s decisions regarding security and military posture are guided by a principle of reciprocity, but that the return of prisoners takes precedence. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian POWs who can be returned home,” he said. This comes amid reports of Ukrainian drone threats as Zelensky promised to respond “ fairly ” to Russian attacks after nearly 100 drones and multiple strikes hit Ukraine on Thursday. However, Kyiv has repeatedly stressed that resolving humanitarian issues, particularly the release of prisoners of war, is a key condition shaping its diplomatic engagement. Zelensky credited US mediation efforts for facilitating the current agreement and expressed hope that Washington would help ensure Russia complies with its commitments. Other Topics of Interest Russia Planned to Supply Iran With Thousands of Drones A confidential report suggests Russia planned to supply Iran with thousands of advanced drones and train its military to use them against US forces. The proposal included fiber‑optic drones resistant to jamming and satellite‑guided systems. It remains unclear if the plan was executed. “I thank the President of the United States and his team for their effective diplomatic participation,” he said. The proposed exchange would be one of the largest prisoner swaps since the start of the full‑scale invasion , highlighting continued, though limited , cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow . A previous exchange took place in April , freeing 175 Ukrainian service members and seven civilians. The exchange had come as a gift for many families during the Orthodox Easter period. Ukraine said its negotiating team has been instructed to urgently finalize the arrangements for the upcoming exchange. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.