Leaders from the Group of Seven countries have expressed support for efforts toward prisoner exchanges and have urged the return of displaced people, with a special emphasis on children, currently affected by the conflict in Russia. The message is being shared as groups monitor the outcomes of the latest summit online, underscoring a collective call for humanitarian solutions alongside diplomatic engagement.
In the statement, the G7 representatives call on Russia to release all individuals illegally detained and to facilitate the safe return of civilians who have been resettled or deported, with particular concern for thousands of children affected by these displacements. The document notes the critical importance of progressing in exchanges of prisoners of war and acknowledges the constructive work of partner nations involved in this effort.
Previously, comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Moscow would not halt prisoner exchanges with Ukraine in response to the downing of an Il-76 military transport aircraft, signaling a continued, if complicated, level of negotiation and contact between the parties involved.
On January 31, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported the repatriation of 195 Russian military personnel who had been held in Ukrainian captivity, transferring a like number of Armed Forces personnel to Ukraine as part of ongoing exchanges.
Earlier remarks from Putin related to the trend of increasing numbers of surrendered Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting the evolving dynamics on the ground and the ongoing human costs of the conflict in the region.