Budanov reported when the '1000 for 1000' exchange can be expected.

Massive prisoner exchange in the format of 'one thousand for one thousand'

According to information from the Main Intelligence Directorate, a massive prisoner exchange will take place next week. The head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, reported this to the media outlet tsn.ua through 'Glavkom'.

“I hope this will happen next week; as for the lists, you understand, we will take whoever we can – we will take them. And we will also give back,” he clarified.

After negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which took place in Istanbul on May 16, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov noted that a prisoner exchange in the format of '1000 for 1000' is possible in the near future.

“We know the date, but we will not mention it yet,” he said.

Umerov emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation has a directive from the president. The negotiations discussed issues of a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges.

Russian representative Vladimir Medinsky also confirmed the urgent exchange in the format of '1000 for 1000'.

Turkey named the main achievement of the negotiations

The Turkish side identified the main success of the meeting in Istanbul.

A massive prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia is expected next week. Negotiations on this have already taken place, and both sides have noted their readiness for the exchange. Such actions are an important step towards resolving the conflict.