Ukraine's Security Chief Rustem Umerov Arrives in Istanbul for Critical Prisoner Swap Talks

Ukrainian Security Chief in Istanbul to Revive Prisoner Exchanges

Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 11, 2025, with the stated objective of 'unblocking' the prisoner exchange process with Russia. The visit underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure the release of its citizens held in Russian captivity, a task personally assigned to Umerov by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Umerov announced his working trip, which also includes engagements in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to implement previously agreed-upon exchanges. His arrival signals a renewed push to overcome the stagnation in negotiations that has left thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in Russian custody.

Umerov's Role and Previous Efforts

Rustem Umerov, who assumed the role of Secretary of the NSDC on July 18, 2025, previously served as Ukraine's Minister of Defense from 2023 to 2025. Throughout his career, he has been involved in negotiations concerning prisoner exchanges, including military personnel, political prisoners, children, and civilians. His current mission in Istanbul focuses specifically on humanitarian issues related to the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Ukrainian officials report that more than 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers are still held by Russia. Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine has facilitated the return of over 5,800 individuals from Russian captivity through various exchanges.

Turkey's Consistent Mediation Role

Turkey has consistently played a crucial mediating role in facilitating dialogue and prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia. The country has hosted several rounds of direct talks, demonstrating its commitment to diplomatic solutions in the ongoing conflict.

Key previous rounds of talks in Istanbul include:

• May 16, 2025: The first direct talks in over three years resulted in an agreement for a significant 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap.
• June 2, 2025: Discussions focused on expanding prisoner exchanges, particularly for severely injured individuals and those under the age of 25.
• July 23, 2025: The third round saw agreements on further prisoner exchanges, notably including civilians for the first time, and proposals for online working groups on political, humanitarian, and military issues.

Despite these efforts, broader peace negotiations have often stalled, with Russia and Ukraine remaining divided on key issues beyond humanitarian concerns.

Outlook for the Talks

Umerov's current visit aims to reactivate the mechanisms for prisoner returns, emphasizing that 'there was an agreement, and it must be implemented.' While the specifics of his meetings in Istanbul have not been fully disclosed, the focus remains on humanitarian aspects of the conflict. The outcome of these talks is keenly awaited by families of those held captive, as Ukraine continues to prioritize the return of its citizens.