Intelligence Chief Budanov Reveals Date of Largest POW Exchange

Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, said that a large-scale prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia could take place as early as next week.

Speaking on national television, Budanov confirmed that Ukraine is working through lists of those who may be included in the potential swap.

“I hope this will happen next week. The exchange will be carried out based on the lists. We will take back those we can, and return those we can,” he stated.

In a separate comment to TSN, Budanov reiterated there are no significant obstacles to the exchange.

The prospective 1,000-for-1,000 exchange was reportedly agreed during recent negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.

The deal was reached following a proposal from Türkiye. The official said Ankara introduced the exchange initiative when talks stalled after Russia demanded control over four Ukrainian regions.

The proposed exchange covers three categories of individuals: children, civilians, and military personnel.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov previously indicated that the exchange may occur soon. “We know the date, but will not announce it yet,” he said after the Istanbul talks.