Umerov: Ukraine and Russia will activate Istanbul agreements on prisoner exchanges

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov stated about the parties' decision to activate the Istanbul agreements, which involve the release of 1,200 Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

"On the instructions of the President of Ukraine, I have recently held consultations through partners in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates regarding the resumption of the exchange process and the liberation of our people from Russian captivity."

As a result of these negotiations, the parties agreed to activate the Istanbul agreements. It concerns the release of 1,200 Ukrainians.

Umerov reported that technical consultations will soon take place to formalize all procedural and organizational details.

"We are working without pause so that Ukrainians who are to return from captivity can celebrate the New Year and Christmas at home – around the family table and alongside their loved ones," – he added.

Earlier, on November 11, Umerov announced that he had arrived in Turkey to "resolve the issue of exchanges" for the return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

At the same time, a source from the "Ukrainian Truth" reported that the Coordination Headquarters, which manages the exchange processes, learned about Umerov's trip from the media.