Zelensky: Exchange of 500 POWs planned for this weekend

He announced this at a briefing on Wednesday, June 4, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, our teams held consultations regarding the exchange we had previously agreed on. The Russian side informed us that they could transfer 500 people — 500 of our service members from the group of over a thousand we discussed — on Saturday and Sunday. We will be prepared to exchange a corresponding number in return," Zelensky said.

He noted, however, that Ukraine has not yet received the lists of those to be exchanged.

"I believe this is important. This time, unlike the previous talks in Istanbul, we agreed — I told our minister before the meeting — and the Russians gave their word that they would provide the lists in advance. That's important to us. But so far, once again, we haven't received the lists. There always seems to be some reason. Still, we will insist that the Ukrainian side receive the lists for the exchange," Zelensky said.

Earlier, Zelensky stated that along with military personnel, the upcoming exchange could also include journalists and political prisoners returning home.