Presidents of Belarus and Russia Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin on Monday evening, on May 26, they held a telephone conversation and discussed a bilateral and international agenda. This was reported by the Russian media.
“The main relevant issues of the bilateral Belarusian -Russian agenda, the international situation were discussed,” the statement said.
It is reported that the President of Russia thanked the Belarusian colleague for the assistance and assistance in organizing the process of exchanged prisoners of 1000 by 1000, as part of the agreements reached during Istanbul peace negotiations.
May 16, 2025, in Istanbul, through the mediation of Turkey, peace negotiations were held between Russia and Ukraine. One of the key results of the meeting was an agreement on the exchange of prisoners according to the formula “1000 per 1000”.
The first stage of exchange began on May 23, the parties transferred 390 people to each other, including 270 military personnel and 120 civilians. The next day, May 24, the second stage took place, during which 307 prisoners were released from each side.
The final third stage of the exchange of prisoners was held on May 25 this time according to the formula “303 to 303”.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the implementation of these agreements became possible thanks to the efforts attached during Istanbul negotiations. He noted that the work on the return of all prisoners continues. The Ministry of Defense of Russia also confirmed the exchange in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul.