Russia and Ukraine have completed their first prisoner exchange of war prisoners under the age of 25, operating within the framework established by the Istanbul agreements. The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage on June 9 showcasing the return of these soldiers.

The video shows the returning soldiers expressing their relief and joy, chanting in unison, “Hooray! We are home.” These soldiers are currently in Belarus where they are receiving assistance before being transported back to Russia.

One of the servicemen conveyed his feelings stating he was, “very happy, proud and grateful to everyone who took part in this process – in the exchange and return of us home.”

The decision to proceed with the prisoner exchange of soldiers under 25 was reached during the second round of negotiations held in Istanbul.

In addition to the prisoner exchange, Moscow unilaterally decided to return six thousand frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine, as announced by the head of the Russian delegation.

Vladimir Medinsky, Russian Presidential Aide, stated that the Russian Federation was prepared to organize the exchange between June 7–9. However, Kyiv reportedly postponed the exchange “indefinitely,” according to Medinsky.