Military transport aircraft carried the recently released Russian service members to Moscow, a move confirmed by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The ministry subsequently released footage capturing the fighters’ return, noting that the men had already shared the good news with their families and friends. The video highlights the moment of reunion after a lengthy period apart, underscoring the emotional significance of the exchange and the moment of contact after their journey home.
According to reports detailing the negotiations with the territory controlled by Kiev, on June 25 the operation culminated in the return of 90 Russian military personnel. In the same exchange, 90 Ukrainian armed forces prisoners of war were transported in the opposite direction, marking another release in a broader prisoner exchange framework. The cadence of the exchanges reflects ongoing diplomacy underscored by quiet, persistent dialogue between the involved parties and international mediators working to facilitate the process.
Earlier, on June 22, a clip surfaced showing members of an elite Ukrainian marine unit who had endured captivity for more than two years delivering a video message to the Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelensky, urging a timely exchange. The footage underscores the personal stakes for the service members and their families, illustrating how such negotiations unfold in the lives of those directly affected by the conflict.
Conversations around June 19, as stated by a former Verkhovna Rada deputy, Oleg Tsarev, indicated that a major prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine was being arranged. He suggested a 240-240 format and proposed Saudi Arabia as a mediator, highlighting the political dimensions and regional diplomacy involved in facilitating such exchanges. These remarks reflect broader speculation about the mechanics and venues often cited in discussions about prisoner exchanges amid the ongoing conflict.
In addition to recent exchanges, the Russian Ministry of Defense released video footage purportedly depicting the interrogation of a captive Colombian, illustrating the range of documentary material associated with the broader conflict. The release of such content underscores the varied narratives and information streams that circulate in relation to armed forces and captivity, contributing to the wider discussion about wartime proceedings and intelligence-related activities.