Preparations for New Prisoner Exchanges
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova has confirmed that new prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine are being prepared, with separate lists for military personnel and civilians currently being finalized. Speaking to TASS in a series of interviews, Lantratova said the negotiations cover two categories: prisoners of war and civilians held in Ukraine who have been unable to return home and reunite with their families.
"We are working on the next swap. We haven't announced a date yet so as not to disrupt the process," she told reporters on the sidelines of the Terra Scientia National Educational Youth Forum in late July. She added, "Separate talks continue on each list, and I hope we will be able to carry out the next stage soon. Our goal is to bring all of our people home."
In an earlier interview, Lantratova said, "We are preparing an exchange in the near future. The lists are currently being coordinated, with separate lists for civilians and military personnel. This is a very important exchange that we are preparing. We deliberately do not announce dates so as not to, God forbid, disrupt it. You understand, this is not just about the event itself. These are families who are waiting and hoping."
Number Disproportion and Humanitarian Aspect
Lantratova acknowledged that there are more Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia than Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine. She said this disparity can lead to a disproportionate exchange of letters and parcels between the two sides.
"I can say - since we have more Ukrainian prisoners of war than we have our guys on the territory of Ukraine, there may be, for example, a disproportionate exchange of letters, a disproportionate exchange of parcels," she said in an interview. "I do not think that this is bad. As a human rights defender, I am ready, together with my team, to deliver these parcels to whomever needs them. This is a humanitarian matter."
She emphasized that during exchanges, the sides hand over an equal number of people, and that on this side "everything is absolutely clear and correct."
Recent Releases and Ongoing Appeals
Lantratova said 550 Russian servicemen were released from Ukrainian captivity in May and June. She also said she receives a large number of appeals from families of prisoners and missing persons.
"You cannot imagine how many messages I receive on my phone: 'Is my husband on the list? Is my child on the list?'" she said, adding that her team regularly holds meetings with citizens, including via video link, to hear from people in the regions.
No Dates Announced
Both in public statements and interviews, Lantratova has repeatedly declined to announce specific dates for the exchanges, citing the need to protect the delicate negotiation process and to avoid giving false hope to waiting families.
"We do not announce dates [of exchanges] on principle, so that the process is not disrupted, because we are talking about human lives," she said. In another statement, she explained, "I can only say that this [prisoner exchange] will be carried out soon. We don't say when for two reasons: first, to prevent [the agreement] breaking down, and, second, not to give false hope and under no circumstances to disappoint the families who are waiting for their loved ones. This is a very delicate matter."