Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has launched preparatory steps for a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia involving 1,000 detainees from each side, the agency announced on May 17. The Joint Coordination Center for the Search and Release of Prisoners,

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has begun preparations for the largest prisoner exchange under the 1,000-for-1,000 format. Lists of Russian military personnel who could be handed over to Russia are already being compiled.

Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each during peace talks held in Istanbul on Friday, in what would be the biggest prisoner swap of the conflict. The negotiations, which lasted less than two hours and were mediated by Turkey, marked the first time the nations have engaged in direct peace talks since the war began.