On May 25, 2025, Ukraine and Russia completed the third and final prisoner exchange under the Istanbul agreement. This exchange involved 303 soldiers from each side, marking a significant step in ongoing negotiations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return of 303 Ukrainian soldiers, including army, National Guard, and border service members. The negotiations, held in Turkey on May 16, 2025, aimed to exchange 1,000 prisoners on each side.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the exchange, stating that 303 Russian soldiers returned from Ukrainian territory and are receiving medical and psychological assistance in Belarus.