Major Prisoner Swap Between Russia and Ukraine Involves Civilians Convicted of Collaboration
In a large-scale exchange, Ukraine handed over civilians convicted of collaborating with Russia, raising questions about the implications of such agreements in the ongoing conflict.
On Friday, a significant prisoner swap occurred between Russia and Ukraine, marking the largest exchange since the onset of the conflict.
According to information from a Ukrainian government project coordinating the exchanges, among the civilians handed over to Russia were individuals convicted of crimes, including collaboration, treason, and terrorism.
The project reported that 70 civilians transferred to Russia had been sentenced for such offenses, indicating a complex and contentious aspect of the prisoner dynamics.
The exchange included individuals who had expressed a desire to leave Ukraine, stating that they did not foresee a future for themselves there and identified as Russian citizens.
One prominent figure among those transferred was Olekszandr Tarnasinszkij, a former close associate of the pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
Tarnasinszkij was arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service in 2022 on suspicions of preparing to overthrow the constitutional order and cooperating with Russian intelligence.
Investigators alleged that he established various charitable foundations and organizations in Ukraine through which Russian resources were funneled to undermine the Ukrainian government and prepare for a potential power takeover.
In 2023, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Reports indicate that among the civilians transferred were individuals who had posted supportive comments regarding the Russian invasion on social media, an act deemed criminal in Ukraine.
The agreement facilitated the transfer of 390 soldiers and civilians each from both countries, with plans for additional exchanges in the coming days, suggesting a continued effort to address the complex situation of detainees amid ongoing hostilities.
The swaps were part of an agreement reached during direct negotiations in Istanbul last week, representing the only agreement from the first round of peace talks.
Ukrainian representatives have expressed concerns over what they termed unrealistic demands made by Russia, which they indicate hindered meaningful negotiations.
According to information from a Ukrainian government project coordinating the exchanges, among the civilians handed over to Russia were individuals convicted of crimes, including collaboration, treason, and terrorism.
The project reported that 70 civilians transferred to Russia had been sentenced for such offenses, indicating a complex and contentious aspect of the prisoner dynamics.
The exchange included individuals who had expressed a desire to leave Ukraine, stating that they did not foresee a future for themselves there and identified as Russian citizens.
One prominent figure among those transferred was Olekszandr Tarnasinszkij, a former close associate of the pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
Tarnasinszkij was arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service in 2022 on suspicions of preparing to overthrow the constitutional order and cooperating with Russian intelligence.
Investigators alleged that he established various charitable foundations and organizations in Ukraine through which Russian resources were funneled to undermine the Ukrainian government and prepare for a potential power takeover.
In 2023, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Reports indicate that among the civilians transferred were individuals who had posted supportive comments regarding the Russian invasion on social media, an act deemed criminal in Ukraine.
The agreement facilitated the transfer of 390 soldiers and civilians each from both countries, with plans for additional exchanges in the coming days, suggesting a continued effort to address the complex situation of detainees amid ongoing hostilities.
The swaps were part of an agreement reached during direct negotiations in Istanbul last week, representing the only agreement from the first round of peace talks.
Ukrainian representatives have expressed concerns over what they termed unrealistic demands made by Russia, which they indicate hindered meaningful negotiations.
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