In a bold move to break the deadlock in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today proposed a complete exchange of all prisoners of war (POWs) with Russia, framing it as the "start" of a process to end the nearly three-year war. The announcement came during a high-profile summit in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, attended by 13 world leaders, including prominent figures like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Speaking to the gathered dignitaries, Zelenskyy declared, “Ukraine is ready to exchange all for all, and this is a fair way to begin unwinding this conflict.” He emphasised the humanitarian urgency of the proposal, noting that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians remain in Russian captivity, alongside political prisoners held in occupied territories such as Crimea. “Russia must release Ukrainians. This could be the foundation for peace,” he added, underscoring that such a swap would demonstrate good faith and pave the way for broader negotiations.
The “all-for-all” concept isn’t new, Zelensky has floated it before, notably in a 2022 G20 address, but today’s proposal comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and shifting global dynamics. With U.S. President Donald Trump pushing for a swift resolution and dispatching envoy Keith Kellogg to broker talks, Zelenskyy’s offer aligns with Kyiv’s strategy to strengthen its position ahead of potential negotiations. However, he remained skeptical of Moscow’s intentions, asserting, “Putin will not grant us peace in exchange for anything. We must secure it by force.”
Russia has yet to respond officially, though past swaps, often mediated by the United Arab Emirates, have seen hundreds of prisoners exchanged. The most recent, in December 2024, involved 189 Ukrainians and 150 Russians. Analysts suggest that while prisoner exchanges have been a rare point of cooperation, scaling to an all-encompassing swap could face hurdles, given the estimated thousands still detained on both sides and the political stakes involved.
The Kyiv summit, designed to showcase international solidarity, also highlighted Zelenskyy’s call for NATO membership as a security guarantee, a stance that contrasts with Trump’s reported push for a deal that might sideline such ambitions. As Trump’s administration prepares to engage directly with both Kyiv and Moscow, Zelenskyy’s proposal adds a humanitarian dimension to the complex diplomatic chessboard, though its success hinges on Russia’s willingness to reciprocate.
For now, Ukraine’s leader vowed to keep pressing forward. “We do not forget anyone,” he said, signaling that the fight, for both captives and peace, remains far from over.