Uncertainty looms over the planned prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia as new developments raise questions about the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Andriy Yunusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, confirmed that preparations for the exchange were underway. However, he noted that the exchange, scheduled for Wednesday, has not yet taken place. The situation has been further complicated by the crash of a Russian military transport aircraft, the Il-76, in the Belgorod region. The Ukrainian side is currently investigating reports that Ukrainian prisoners were on board the ill-fated aircraft.
Yuri Shvytkin, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, expressed concern that the crash could lead to a suspension of the exchange process. The Russian Ministry of Defense has revealed that the aircraft was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, who were being transported to the Belgorod region for the exchange. The tragedy also claimed the lives of six crew members and three accompanying individuals. Andrey Kartaopolov, the Head of the State Duma Defense Committee, has accused the Ukrainian Armed Forces of shooting down the aircraft.
These recent events have added to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. Earlier, a Ukrainian soldier voiced his bewilderment about the reasons behind the ongoing conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this will impact the planned prisoner exchange and the overall dynamics between Ukraine and Russia.
