Russia

Russia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswoman

TASS English · 2026-08-26

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russia and Ukraine are negotiating lists for a significant prisoner of war exchange, as confirmed by Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova. • Why it matters: This potential exchange follows a recent swap on August 19, where both countries returned 103 servicemen, highlighting ongoing efforts to resolve humanitarian issues amid the conflict. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the progress of the negotiations and any announcements regarding the specifics of the upcoming POW exchange.

Russia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswoman Lists are being agreed, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratov saidRussian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova© Sofia Sandurskaya/TASSMOSCOW, August 26. /TASS/. Russia and Ukraine are currently working to agree on lists for another "quite large" prisoner of war exchange, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova told TASS. "We are preparing another quite large [POW] swap, with lists being agreed," Lantratova said. A previous major POW exchange took place on August 19 when Russia returned 103 servicemen from the Kiev-controlled territory and handed over 103 prisoners of war to Ukraine. The Pervy Informatsionny television channel of Belarus reported on August 24 that Russia and Ukraine carried out a ten-for-ten prisoner exchange in Belarus’s southeasternmost Gomel Region. TagsForeign policyUkraineReality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy saysKirill Dmitriev also noted that "the blame game for failures" begins in UkraineRead moreKiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFAThe topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh saidRead moreTanker hit by projectile, disabled off Oman — UKMTOThe crew are safe and no environmental impact has been reportedRead moreSlovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facilityCharges have been brought against three foreignersRead moreRussian forces mop up large area near Zaporozhye Region's Dolinka — expertAndrey Marochko also said that Russian servicemen have almost mopped up Malye Shcherbaki, Mirnoye and Nesteryanka, which are located close to DolinkaRead moreUkraine’s population goes from 52 mil in 1991 to 25 mil today — Zelensky’s ex-spokespersonYulia Mendel said that Ukraine has lost more than 50% of its populationRead moreSweden wants to expropriate plot belonging to Russian, allegedly over "security threat"Real estate is located near a military base on the island of MuskoRead moreFACTBOX: Two deaths, fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, aftermath of Kiev’s strikeDuring the past night, alert air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 148 Ukrainian aerial targets, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreIranians not fighting for Hezbollah in southern Lebanon — officialMahmoud Qamati, deputy head of the Hezbollah political council, also condemned the Lebanese government’s intention to disarm all illegal groups in the countryRead moreWest seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev saysThe Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuriesRead moreLarge gas field discovered in IranThe field also contains gas condensateRead morePress review: US tightens Iran pressure while Russia expands nuclear power projects abroadTop stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 21stRead moreTrade turnover between Russia, Belarus gains 12.5% in 1H 2026Last year trade turnover between the two countries grew by around 3%Read moreReality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy saysKirill Dmitriev also noted that "the blame game for failures" begins in UkraineRead moreWest no longer willing to allow Ukraine to strike civilians in Russia — senatorThis is evident both in the harsher language used by international organizations and in the changing tone of foreign media, Alexander Voloshin saidRead moreBrent crude oil falls below $87 per barrel on ICE exchange for first time since August 14The WTI crude oil futures with September delivery was down by 4.95% to $80.8 per barrelRead moreChinese envoy hails Moscow Zoo for creating great atmosphere for pandasZhang Hanhui also congratulated panda Katyusha on her birthdayRead moreUS lawmaker Luna lauds reports about CIA chief’s trip to RussiaJohn Ratcliffe is doing some great things on behalf of the US, Anna Paulina Luna saidRead moreBattlegroup North drones destroy Ukrainian Bomber, Vampire hexacopters near SumyThe UAVs have been destroyed by a single UAV crewRead moreHouthis attack Yemeni port of Mokha with missiles, dronesThe Houthis also attempted an attack on an oil tanker in the Bab El Mandeb StraitRead morePutin signs decree on measures to protect critical infrastructureAccording to the decree, the Russian government may assume temporary control over critical infrastructure sites, when owners neglect security protocols or delay necessary repairsRead moreBank of Russia raises dollar exchange rate to 84.46 rubles for August 26The official euro exchange rate has been raised by 1 ruble and 7.98 kopecks to 98.5182 rublesRead moreRussian stocks close in the green on TuesdayThe ruble-denominated MOEX Index gained 2.21% to 2,117.15 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index added 0.79% to 789.63 pointsRead moreDodon does not rule out provocations at Russia-protected ammunition depots in TransnistriaAccording to the former president of Moldova, the Moldovan intelligence service is downplaying the potential consequences of ammo warehousesRead moreIn calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — BessentUS Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the USRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement termsTASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesmanRead moreFrance wants to restrict Ukraine’s arms purchases from non EU countries — TVThe European 2026-2027 program for the Kiev regime amounts to 90 billion euros to be disbursed for various needs, including militaryRead moreNATO remains hostile bloc for Russia, continues to expand — MedvedevThe politician stressed that Moscow needed guarantees from NATO that no other states would attack Russia and that all hostile actions against the country would ceaseRead moreRescuers find cabins carrying tourists swept away from thermal springs on SakhalinRescuers landed at the thermal springs and have now set off on foot toward the location where the containers were foundRead moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreOne civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past daySix civilian infrastructure facilities, three residential buildings, a shuttle bus, and trucks were damaged in the attacksRead moreDeath toll from fire at gas plant in Siberia rises to three, 146 people injuredTwenty four people were hospitalized in the city of Svobodny with injuries of varying severityRead moreWest not going to invest in Ukraine’s economic development — Ukrainian economistOleg Pendzin noted that Europe needs Ukraine as "a shield"Read moreKremlin calls rumors about mobilization in Russia fake news spread by KievDmitry Peskov stressed that the Kiev regime attempted to ideologically destabilize the situation in RussiaRead moreRussia’s Pomoshnikov wins gold at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving ChampionshipsThe judges awarded Matvey Pomoshnikov 333,90 points for his performanceRead moreZelensky says Ukraine getting more Patriot missiles, but needs moreThe head of Kiev regime did not disclose the exact number, but emphasized that the batch had been smallRead moreEEF can't be called SPIEF's 'little brother' anymore — officialThe EEF has long stepped out of the shadow of its 'older brother' to stand on its own in the calendar of international events and among Russia’s national priorities, Anton Kobyakov saidRead moreTurkey has no hidden agenda in Middle East, Erdogan saysAccording to the Turkish president, the republic's goal is to ensure an atmosphere of peaceRead moreUS Secret Service aware of Iranian video threatening Barron Trump’s lifeAccording to a number of US media outlets, the Iranian media broadcast a video suggesting option for killing Barron Trump for a reward of $10 millionRead moreIN BRIEF: Russian forces strike fuel tanker, ports used in Ukrainian army’s suppliesThe Russian Armed Forces delivered strikes by air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVsRead moreIran to hold talks on managing Hormuz with Oman within a timeframe of 60 days — diplomatIran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the waterway will remain closed and that Iran has full control of the areaRead moreOne civilian killed, seven wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during dayThree dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, a bus, and eight trucks were damagedRead moreRussia not to forget Ukraine’s terror attack on Starobelsk, to seek justice — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister said the Kiev regime continues demonstrating its utter brutality by targeting childrenRead moreEnergy ministry assesses diesel fuel situation on Russian market as stableThe ministry reported that additional volumes following export restrictions were redirected to the domestic marketRead moreBelarus to hold Air Force and Air Defense drills with 2nd phase at Russian practice rangeFrom August 25 to September 10, 2026, an operational exercise with the branches of the Air Force and Air Defense Troops will take place under the direction of Air Force and Air Defense Troops Deputy Commander Major General Mikhail MatrosovRead moreUkraine plans to pay Russia for gas after price reduction“Ukraine will pay for the consumed gas when it resolves strategic issues, including gas prices,” Ukraine’s parliament-appointed Minister of Economy and Trade Pavel Sheremeta saysRead moreRussian UAV operators devise method against Ukrainian airborne EW systems — soldierAccording to the soldier, an electronic warfare system mounted on a Baba-Yaga drone did not prevent unmanned aerial vehicle operators of the Battlegroup Dnepr from completing their combat missionRead moreBrussels’ energy policy could exacerbate EU’s chronic gas crisis — expertNorway has remained the largest gas supplier to the European Union since 2022, though its resource base is gradually depleting, Igor Yushkov said Read moreBessent threatens to deny access to dollar to countries that fail to join US sanctionsUS Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent did not elaborate when the new sectoral sanctions on Iran will come into forceRead moreRussia calls on international bodies to compel Kiev to disclose data on missing clergyMikhail Melekh noted that the Kiev regime systematically and en masse sends clergy to the front, many of whom disappearRead moreIN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in GermanyThe Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"Read moreTehran's condition for resuming dialogue is US compliance with Islamabad agreementAccording to the source, the Pakistani side is actively working to communicate this stance to the United StatesRead moreResearch directions for North Pole·43 expedition outlinedDirector of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Alexander Makarov noted that the scientific program will primarily include oceanology, geophysics, and atmospheric researchRead moreUS military transport plane lands in MoscowThe aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near WashingtonRead moreHouthis report drone strike on Saudi Aramco refinery in JazanThe rebels stated that the attack was in response to an airspace violation in the Yemeni governorates of Saada and HajjahRead moreRussia seeks sustainable peace in Ukraine conflict — Kremlin spokesmanAccording to Dmitry Peskov, The Ukraine process is currently on hold Read moreRussia, Serbia agree to continue consultations on security challenges — foreign ministryThe sides spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding regular consultations and maintaining close contacts in the area of combating international terrorism Read moreRussian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,400 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead morePress Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressureTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25thRead moreShnaider/Ruud reach quarter finals vs. Andreeva/Rublev at US OpenThe 2026 US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year, with the main draw of the singles running from August 30 through September 13Read moreIran has legitimate right to wield control over Strait of Hormuz — Vice President ArefReza Aref emphasized that "the double standards of the West in terms of human rights and the justification of crimes such as the killing of 168 teenagers require Iran to rely on internal reserves so that its position in the international arena is stable"Read moreRussian authorities will decide on extending ban on diesel exports soonFully meeting domestic fuel needs, including those of agricultural producers during seasonal field operations, remains a prior task, the Russian Energy Ministry notedRead moreIsrael expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign MinistryThe Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one weekRead moreEuropean leaders cut off their own path to participation in negotiations — legislatorEuropean countries are openly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, granting Kiev permission to produce long-range missiles for attacks on civilians, Leonid Slutsky saidRead moreSecurity at critical facilities to be tightened — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov said that Russia is facing an obvious threat of drone attacks against both critical infrastructure and facilities that are critical to the economy and social sphereRead moreRussia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister LavrovThe top Russian diplomat said the sides welcomed the upcoming meeting between the Secretary of the Holy See and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church RelationsRead moreDeployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — KremlinDmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levelsRead moreRussian company Sector develops EW-resistant video receiver for UAVsThe device is already being used in Russia’s special military operation zone un UkraineRead moreRussia’s Il-76 aircraft prevents fire from spreading to populated areas in SerbiaSerbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic emphasized Russia's rapid response to the request for firefighting assistanceRead moreRussia wins silver in girls 3-m synchro at 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving ChampionshipsThe 2026 World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships is hosted by Rijeka, Croatia, on August 21-28Read moreRussia wants Vatican to denounce Kiev’s actions against Ukrainian Orthodox ChurchMikhail Melekh said that Vatican is generally aware of the lawlessness going on in our neighboring countryRead moreNearly 20 seafarers killed while crossing Hormuz since Iran war started in FebruaryAs of August 21, as many as 68 incidents had been confirmedRead moreWith attacks on homes Kiev admits it is unable to reclaim Donbass, Novorossiya — activistAccording to Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev, recent assaults on a residential building and the United Russia party headquarters in Melitopol, Zaporozhye, underscore this strategyRead moreUkraine’s metals industry on verge of systemic shutdown — agencyFor Ukraine, a systemic crisis entails a loss of export revenues, rising construction costs, and issues with the hryvnia exchange rate, the RBC-Ukraine notedRead moreTop Iranian diplomat hails agreement with Oman of Hormuz as example of regional solutionsIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "Iran’s commitment to peace and stability goes hand in hand with ongoing diplomatic work with neighboring states"Read moreTrump warns Iran against placing mines in Strait of HormuzAccording to the US leader, all mines within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz have been destroyed or removedRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his sonArmenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market pricesRead moreTrade between Russia, India has increased this year — PutinThe Russian president stressed that the Indian foreign minister’s current visit to Moscow underscores the level of relations that Russia and India have built over decadesRead moreJapan can assemble nuclear weapons within one year — Kremlin aideRussian Presidential Aide and Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov drew attention to Japan’s revanchist militarizationRead moreSyrian Kurd leader says armed groups to be dissolved — agencyCommander of the Kurd’s Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi also said that the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria will become part of the governmentRead moreGrowing interest in Russia in Asia reflects credit on Eastern Economic Forum — officialAnton Kobyakov noted that Asian economists advocate for the restoration of full-fledged relations with MoscowRead moreRussia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinalsThey will face the Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub MensikRead moreMore than 60% of Russians ready to take part in September elections — surveyNearly 70% of respondents are aware of the single voting day, Mikhail Mamonov, director of political research at the VTsIOM analytical center, saidRead moreSixteen Russian athletes to participate in 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint World ChampionshipsParacanoeing competitions will be also held within the framework of the 2026 World Championships and Russia will be represented by six rowersRead moreIranian attacks cause billions in damage to US surveillance hardware in Middle East — TVThe Iranian attacks raise doubts about whether the Department of State, the Pentagon and the US intelligence community are sufficiently prepared to guarantee due protection to US sites in the region, the TV channel saidRead moreWhat to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one deadAccording to reports, 19 people were hospitalizedRead moreFirst power unit of El Dabaa NPP to be connected to grid in 2028 — Rosatom chief executiveFour power units are being constructed simultaneouslyRead moreUS not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — AxiosAccording to the news portal, Washington will focus on putting more economic pressure on Iran through the sanctions and naval blockadeRead moreDeath toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 4,350 — health ministryThe amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310Read moreUkrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoyMoscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressedRead moreRussian Soyuz-2.1b rocket with spacecraft lifts off from Plesetsk spaceport — ministryThe rocket carries a spacecraft in the Russian Defense Ministry’s interestsRead moreRussia to retain fourth place globally in terms of purchasing power parity — expertEven amid persistent and mounting external pressure, Russian economy is maintaining its relative standing, Executive Director of the Stolypin Institute of Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko saidRead moreIconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario"This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," a spokesman for the cultural institution saidRead moreState Duma promises Russia will strip Armenia of all 'gifts' if it pivots to WestAlexey Chepa said it will be impossible for Yerevan to "sit on two stools" simultaneouslyRead moreUkraine’s ex-Defense Minister Fyodorov says Kiev losing in conflict with RussiaAccording to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point Read moreMaximum rate on ruble deposits up to 12.9% in second ten-day period of August — regulatorThe rate was 12.89% per annum in the first ten days of this monthRead morePrice of Brent oil down below $89 per barrel on London’s ICE first since August 17As of 2:56 p.m. Moscow time, the Brent price was down by 3.47% at $88.97 a barrelRead moreEconomic war against Iran could end in defeat for US allies — expertIran still has considerable capacity to disrupt everybody else’s exports, Jorge Leon saidRead moreIn case of catastrophe on Earth the Moon could be humanity's salvation — Roscosmos CEODmitry Bakanov emphasized the utmost importance of developing all life support technologies on the MoonRead moreKiev uses Orthodox relics to pay for arms supplies — Russian Foreign MinistryThe current Ukrainian authorities regard these artifacts merely as commodities, Russian Foreign Ministry’s special envoy for international cooperation in ensuring freedom of religion Mikhail Melekh statedRead moreRussian troops liberate Annovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Employee injured in fire at Wildberries logistics center outside Tambov after drone attack

• What happened: A drone attack caused a fire at the Wildberries logistics center in Kotovsk, Tambov Region, resulting in one employee being injured and all sta...

Russia

Kiev’s terror, Orthodox Church persecution and Moscow-Vatican ties: Key points from Lavrov’s meeting with Holy See’s envoy

• What happened: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Vatican diplomat Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to discuss the Ukraine conflict, the persecu...

Russia

Iran war drives US farmers into worst crisis in 40 years – FT

• What happened: US grain farmers are facing their worst financial crisis in 40 years due to rising diesel and fertilizer costs linked to the ongoing conflict w...

Russia

Darline Graham wins GOP primary for war-hawk brother Lindsey’s Senate seat

• What happened: Darline Graham won the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina, defeating Congressman Ralph Norman with approximately 52% of the vot...

Russia

Iranian attacks cause billions in damage to US surveillance hardware in Middle East — TV

• What happened: Iranian missile and drone attacks on US surveillance sites in the Middle East have caused billions of dollars in damage, raising concerns about...

Russia

Iconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario

• What happened: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts responded to a warning from US administration attorneys about a potential demolition, statin...