A new prisoner exchange is imminent: Budanov has indicated the likely dates
In a comment to Novosti.LIVE, Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, noted that the next exchange could take place in the coming days. According to him, the previous delay was due solely to technical issues.
“I hope that there will be another phase by the end of the week. It was purely a matter of bureaucratic procedures,” Budanov said.
Context and expectations
The earlier return of 182 Ukrainians marked one of the major phases of the exchange this spring. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War is now working to ensure the momentum is maintained. The priority remains unchanged — to bring everyone home: from the defenders of Azovstal to civilian hostages.
It should be noted that every exchange is the result of extremely complex negotiations, which continue uninterrupted with the participation of international mediators. Official confirmation and lists of those released are traditionally published by the Office of the President and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence immediately after the exchange procedure is completed, for security reasons