### Ukraine and Russia Make Progress on Major Prisoner Exchange Amid Ongoing Conflict - Ukraine is actively pursuing a significant prisoner exchange with Russia, aiming to secure the release of approximately 1,200 Ukrainian detainees. This initiative follows recent negotiations mediated by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which have led to a renewed commitment to the Istanbul agreements established in 2022. The Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that discussions are ongoing to finalize the details of the exchange, which could ease humanitarian tensions amidst the ongoing war [https://www.india.com/news/world/volodymyr-zelensky-vladimir-putin-ukraine-russia-united-states-donald-trump-war-prisoner-exchange-rustem-umerov-istanbul-agreement-zaporizhzhia-defense-ministry-8187858][https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-prisoner-exchange-zelenskyy-istanbul-drones-b66ea7f9ad1ae4072861b732437b301a]. ### Structure of the Prisoner Exchange Efforts 1. **Negotiation Background**: - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Umerov have indicated that multiple meetings and negotiations are underway to facilitate the exchange [https://jowhar.com/ukraine-pushes-for-1200-prisoner-swap-in-talks-with-russia]. 2. **Mediation and Agreements**: - The negotiations are being mediated by Turkey and the UAE, focusing on reactivating previous agreements made in Istanbul [https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/ukraine-russia-near-major-prisoner-swap-deal-as-zelenskyy-confirms-progress-2025-11-16-1017713]. 3. **Military Context**: - Despite the progress in negotiations, the conflict remains intense, with ongoing Russian drone strikes reported in Ukraine, particularly affecting energy infrastructure [https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-prisoner-exchange-zelenskyy-istanbul-drones-b66ea7f9ad1ae4072861b732437b301a]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Prisoner Numbers**: - Ukraine is targeting the release of **1,200 prisoners**, a significant number that reflects the scale of detentions during the ongoing conflict [https://www.firstpost.com/world/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-working-on-prisoner-swaps-that-could-free-1200-captives-13951247.html]. - **Mediation Role**: - Turkey's involvement has been crucial, as it previously set the framework for coordinated prisoner swaps between the two nations [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3332980/ukraine-seeks-bring-home-1200-prisoners-russia-talks]. - **Military Developments**: - Ukrainian forces have reportedly neutralized **139 drones** in recent attacks, highlighting the ongoing military challenges that complicate humanitarian efforts [https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-prisoner-exchange-zelenskyy-istanbul-drones-b66ea7f9ad1ae4072861b732437b301a]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Prisoner Exchange Initiative**: Ukraine is making significant strides towards resuming prisoner exchanges with Russia, aiming to bring home **1,200 Ukrainian detainees**. 2. **Mediation and Agreements**: The negotiations are being facilitated by Turkey and the UAE, focusing on reactivating previous agreements made in Istanbul, which could lead to a humanitarian breakthrough. 3. **Ongoing Conflict**: Despite these diplomatic efforts, the military situation remains precarious, with ongoing drone strikes and military actions complicating the humanitarian landscape. In conclusion, while the potential for a large-scale prisoner exchange offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict, the situation remains fluid and complex, necessitating continued diplomatic engagement and humanitarian considerations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3699661-ukraine-seeks-to-secure-prisoner-exchange-amid-ongoing-conflict].