(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday dismissed statements from a Ukrainian official suggesting that discussions over prisoner exchanges are moving toward an indirect format.

Answering a question from a news agency at a Moscow press briefing regarding comments implying the cessation of direct negotiations, Zakharova clarified that there are both direct dialogues between the pertinent agencies and communications mediated by third parties.

"You know, I'll tell you straightaway, absolutely not; none of what you’ve mentioned implies anything of the kind for one simple reason. Because we had negotiations, I'm talking about Russia, both direct ones and also exchanges of detainees and prisoners facilitated by mediators acting in good faith. Both forms existed simultaneously."

She highlighted that "all contacts regarding prisoner exchanges and civilian personnel were handled through respective specialized agencies," with the Foreign Ministry playing a supportive diplomatic role.

"But the main role was played by the relevant specialized structures. Of course, if any agreements are reached and we provide diplomatic assistance to the actual exchange process, we will inform you about it," Zakharova added.

In 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted at least seven prisoner swaps, involving over 100 individuals, including the "1,000 on 1,000" exchange agreed upon during the Istanbul discussions.

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