Hopes for Progress Undermined by Manipulation
Despite agreements reached in Istanbul, Russia is now being accused of deliberate manipulation in the ongoing prisoner exchange process with Ukraine. The deal, hailed as a humanitarian breakthrough, included commitments from both sides to exchange severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war, swap young soldiers aged 18–25, and repatriate the remains of 6,000 fallen troops.
However, Ukraine says Russia has gone back on its word.
Ukraine Submits Agreed Lists – Russia Sends Different Names
Ukrainian officials claim they have fully complied with the agreed criteria, submitting exchange lists in line with the categories discussed during negotiations. But Russia, they report, has provided inconsistent lists, failing to honour the mutually accepted format.
The implication is clear: Moscow is playing political games with human lives, refusing to follow through on its commitments.
Russia Exploits Tragedy for Propaganda Gains
On top of these procedural issues, Ukraine is raising alarms over what it calls cynical information manipulation by Russia. According to Ukrainian sources, the Kremlin is exploiting the sensitive issue of body repatriation for propaganda, using emotional grief as a tool to destabilise public opinion.
This includes spreading misleading narratives around the return of soldiers’ remains, designed to provoke unrest and fuel misinformation across Ukrainian society.
Kyiv Stands Firm on Commitments
In stark contrast, Ukrainian officials say they remain fully committed to the agreement and are doing everything possible to ensure the return of all prisoners and the dignified repatriation of the fallen.
“Our goal is simple,” said one Ukrainian spokesperson. “To bring every defender home.”
The Ukrainian side continues to call for transparency and respect in the process, urging international actors to closely monitor the situation and hold Russia accountable.
War of Nerves Targets Ukrainian Public
The use of prisoners of war as leverage is seen by Kyiv as a deliberate attempt by Russia to manipulate public sentiment in Ukraine. As the war drags on, the emotional weight of missing loved ones becomes an increasingly potent force – and one the Kremlin appears eager to weaponise.
Still, Ukrainian authorities insist they will not be swayed from their mission to reunite families and uphold international humanitarian standards.
