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A group of Ukrainians staged a demonstration in Istanbul, calling for "Russia to end its attacks and release prisoners," gathering at Beyoglu Sishane Square with Ukrainian flags and various banners.
The event included family members of prisoners as well as Ukrainian soldiers who had been freed through prisoner exchange agreements. Participants sang the Ukrainian national anthem during the demonstration.
Svitlana Lyashko, a representative of the Ukrainian Prisoner Families Association, said they wanted to make their voices heard as relatives of those held captive by Russia.
"We came here with our pain and hope. We are all waiting for our husband, father, or brother," Lyashko said.
"We want to remind the world that the war is not over yet. Our relatives are still prisoners. We will continue to remember them at every opportunity and fight for them. We will continue this struggle until each one is free," she added.
Lyashko emphasized Türkiye's effectiveness in diplomatic negotiations, stating, "Please pressure Russia to allow international delegations access to the places where our prisoners are held. Support prisoner exchanges. Because captivity kills."
"We know and appreciate Türkiye's contribution to previous prisoner exchange negotiations. We hope this support will continue," she added.
Alona Voronika, another family member of a captured soldier, said they had no information about their missing relatives. "This uncertainty is heartbreaking, but we haven't lost hope. Support us with all the means at your disposal. We came here today with faith that they will return home one day."
Denys Andrianov, one of the Ukrainian soldiers freed through a prisoner exchange, described being captured and wounded by Russian forces about a year ago. "I had shrapnel fragments in my arm and leg. I experienced very difficult days. Let the war end, and let those taken prisoner be released like me," he said.
Andrianov emphasized their request for Türkiye's help in releasing prisoners.
Zbovdut Hennodis, who was held prisoner by Russian soldiers for 22 months, said, "I was released on Feb. 8, 2024, because my mother is of Greek origin and my father is of Tatar origin. However, there are still many prisoners in Russian hands. I believe Türkiye will support us in this matter."
A new prisoner exchange was conducted following agreements reached in negotiations hosted by Türkiye in Istanbul on June 2 between Ukraine and Russia.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that another group of Russian military personnel had been retrieved from territory controlled by the Kyiv administration under the Istanbul agreements.
Neither Ukraine nor Russia provided specific numbers of soldiers involved in the prisoner exchange.
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine hosted by Türkiye on June 2 in Istanbul resulted in agreements regarding the delivery of frozen bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and the exchange of seriously ill and wounded soldiers as well as prisoner soldiers under 25 years of age.
Under these agreements, six-phase prisoner exchanges of soldiers under 25 and seriously ill and wounded soldiers, were carried out between Russia and Ukraine on June 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, and 26.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that Moscow and Kyiv carried out another exchange of prisoners of war under the June 2 Istanbul agreement.
The repatriated Russian servicemen are receiving medical care and psychological assistance in Belarus before being transported to medical institutions in Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange via his Telegram channel, stating, "Exchanges should continue, and I thank everyone who provides this."
The latest development follows the agreement reached in Istanbul on June 2, which set terms for additional exchanges of detainees and the repatriation of thousands of fallen soldiers from both sides.
The initial discussions between Moscow and Kyiv took place in May, marking the first such diplomatic engagement after nearly three years of conflict.
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