Tatyana Moskalkova, the Russian human rights commissioner, stated that five wounded soldiers from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were handed over to Ukrainian authorities in a move described as part of ongoing prisoner exchange efforts. The confirmation came from Russian media outlet TASS, which has followed the story as Moscow and Kyiv continue discussions about the treatment and status of captured personnel. Moskalkova emphasized that this work remains active and that progress in these exchanges is a priority for both sides, even amid broader tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The transfer of wounded fighters, while modest in scale, is framed by officials on both sides as a humanitarian step that facilitates medical care, reduces the burden on hospitals, and creates a foundation for further dialogue about detainees in the conflict. The ombudsperson noted that such transfers require careful coordination to ensure medical needs are met and that the individuals are safeguarded during the handover process. She also conveyed good wishes for the wounded soldiers’ recovery, expressing hope that they would soon be able to reunite with their families and friends once their treatment and stabilization permit. This sentiment underscores the human dimension of exchanges, which, despite political complexities, are driven by the desire to preserve life and dignity for those caught in the fighting.
In March, Moskalkova acknowledged another round of prisoner exchange discussions and highlighted that the parties remained open to negotiation on the matter. The dialogue included the possibility of moving forward with exchanges not only for combatants but also for other detainees who may be considered civilians or individuals with political prisoner status among the captives. The official reiterated that these processes hinge on continuing contact with the Ukrainian side and on establishing a reliable chain of information that can verify identities, medical conditions, and eligibility for release. Her remarks reflected a cautious optimism: even as the region stays volatile, there is potential for procedural steps that could ease the burden on families and communities affected by the detentions and the fighting alike.
Similarly, Victoria Serdyukova, the human rights ombudsperson for the Luhansk People’s Republic, discussed the prospect of arranging a broader exchange mechanism that could address both civilian and political prisoners currently held in the country. Serdyukova suggested that a dialogue with Kyiv would be a crucial prerequisite for expanding any exchange framework, stressing that the experiences and testimonies of Russian prisoners returning from Ukraine provide important insights into the overall detainee landscape. At the same time, information about detainees increasingly comes from the families of those affected, underscoring the persistent human impact of the conflict and the need for transparent, reliable communication channels. This line of reporting illustrates how multiple regional human rights bodies are weighing the best approaches to a complex, evolving situation, where humanitarian concerns intersect with security and policy considerations. The overarching goal shared by officials on both sides appears to be to improve detainee treatment, establish verifiable lines of information, and ultimately reduce the harm suffered by individuals separated from their loved ones during the hostilities.