On Friday, May 23, 2025, Ukraine and Russia completed the initial phase of a large-scale prisoner exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the repatriation of an initial group of people.
According to Zelensky, the first phase of the '1,000 for 1,000' exchange agreement concluded with the return of 390 individuals. He expressed hope that the exchange would continue over the weekend.
Russia reported the exchange of 270 Russian soldiers and 120 civilians. In return, they received 270 Ukrainian prisoners of war and 120 civilians, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.