The second phase of the prisoner exchange is due to take place in the near future and, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate, may be larger than the previous one. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, made this statement following the operation on 19 August, when Ukraine secured the return of 103 defenders from Russian captivity.
Briefly about the main points
- The Main Intelligence Directorate is preparing for the second phase of a major prisoner exchange.
- Yusov suggested that the next operation would be on a larger scale.
- On 19 August, members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard returned to Ukraine.
- Most of those released require treatment or rehabilitation.
- According to Prokopenko, more than 600 Azov fighters remain in captivity.
The next operation is referred to as a continuation of the Great Exchange
Andriy Yusov named the operation on 19 August the first stage a large-scale prisoner exchange. He emphasised that a greater number of prisoners are expected to be released provided the next stage is carried out successfully.
The Coordination Headquarters also described the August return as the first stage of the latest exchange.
Among those who returned were the defenders of Mariupol
As part of the first phase, service personnel from the Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard returned. Among them were defenders of Mariupol.
Most of those released had suffered injuries or serious illnesses. The youngest is 26 and the oldest is 59. Upon their return, they are to undergo a medical examination, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and receive the payments and reintegration support to which they are entitled.
The US and the UAE helped to organise the preliminary stage
A representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate highlighted the role of international partners in the exchange process. Ukraine thanked the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their mediation and assistance in organising the operation on 19 August.
According to Yusov, Kyiv is prepared to draw on all available resources and engage with any states that can help secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and illegally detained civilians. The US and the UAE have already jointly mediated a 200-for-200 prisoner exchange in March 2026.
The question of the return of the «Azov» fighters remains unresolved
Not a single Azov serviceman was released during the August prisoner exchange. The commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine’s «Azov» unit« Denis Prokopenko stated that more than 600 Azov fighters are being held captive by the Russians.
According to him, they have been held there for over four years. In June, the Coordination Headquarters reported that 115 of the 160 people returned during the 76th exchange had been captured or were missing in action in Mariupol.
