The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 185 prisoners of war in the latest swap, citing agreements reached during talks in Istanbul on July 23. The statement revealed that Ukraine also released 20 civilians, though it did not confirm if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are currently receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus, according to the ministry.

Footage shared by the Russian Defense Ministry showed soldiers draped in Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus. The exchange followed prior swaps conducted before and after three rounds of Istanbul negotiations this year. Moscow emphasized its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners of war on an equal basis, provided Kiev compensates accordingly.

The ministry highlighted the repatriations as evidence of diplomatic progress but accused Ukraine of hindering broader peace talks. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on Russia and increase military and financial aid, asserting that such measures would strengthen its position against Moscow.