conflictWednesday, July 22, 20263 sources
Russia and Ukraine Exchange Equal Number of POWs Amid Ombudswoman's Communication Efforts
On July 22, 2026, Russia and Ukraine exchanged an equal number of prisoners of war. Yana Lantratova, the Russian ombudswoman, confirmed the exchange and noted that Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine. Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner, according to Lantratova.
Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange on July 22, 2026, with both sides releasing an equal number of individuals. Yana Lantratova, the Russian ombudswoman, stated that Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine. She also emphasized that Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner, allowing them to leave through Russian territory if they wish.
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Sources
StateTASSJul 22, 07:13 AM
Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine — ombudswomanYana Lantratova separately said that during exchanges the sides hand over an equal number of people
StateTASSJul 22, 05:57 AM
Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner — ombudswomanYana Lantratova also said that if there are citizens of Ukraine who wish to go home, they "can freely leave through Russian territory"
StateTASSJul 22, 05:29 AM
Russia, Ukraine exchanging equal number of prisoners of war — ombudswomanYana Lantratova added that she has managed to establish close communication with the Ukrainian ombudsman