Key breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia war; ‘Biggest’ POW swap begins after high-stakes Istanbul talks

In a rare sign of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine have begun what could become the largest prisoner of war exchange since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The POW swap, which started on Monday, includes hundreds of young soldiers under 25 and severely wounded fighters from both sides. This follows direct negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, where both sides agreed to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners and repatriate the bodies of fallen soldiers.