Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the configuration of a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia is still being coordinated. His announcement followed Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, meeting with US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine was allegedly “not ready” for a prisoner exchange, per RBC-Ukraine. This came after Kyiv agreed to a ceasefire for Russia’s 9 May parade, during which Ukrainians were referred to as “neo-Nazis”, and the Russians were praised for victories in a genocidal war.
The ceasefire condition included a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, with guarantees reportedly involving the US.
“1000 for 1000” still has not happened: Ukraine says it fulfilled its commitments
On 10 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia is being prepared and is expected to take place, with guarantees previously provided by the US.
Ukraine fulfilled its obligations, while the exchange has not yet been carried out.
“It is important that America remains engaged in diplomacy, including acting as a mediator in the prisoner exchange issue,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that contacts are ongoing at the necessary level to finalize the exchange configuration. Lists have been submitted, and Ukraine expects the US to play an active role in ensuring the agreement is implemented.
The president also noted that possible formats for leader-level meetings and negotiations to end Russia’s war were discussed in the US.
The US remains mediator
It should be recalled that Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire on May 8–9. However, President Zelenskyy proposed not waiting for these dates and instead starting a ceasefire on the night of 6 May, which Russia allegedly violated. As a result, Ukraine responded symmetrically on the nights of May 7 and 8.
On the evening of 8 May, US President Donald Trump announced that, at his request, Ukraine and Russia had agreed to a ceasefire on May 9–11, adding that it would include a “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange.
