U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reportedly reached a prisoner exchange agreement—just days after Trump publicly referred to Putin as “crazy.”
The deal was revealed on Tuesday, May 27, by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a diplomatic event in Turkey. Lavrov praised Trump as “a man who wants results” and said the agreement was part of broader discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He also accused European nations of trying to derail peace efforts.
While the exact details of the prisoner swap remain undisclosed, the U.S. State Department has yet to confirm which detainees are involved. However, sources told the Kyiv Post that Trump is seriously considering lifting current restrictions on how Ukraine can use U.S.-supplied weapons against Russian targets.
This development comes shortly after Trump announced a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, reportedly involving as many as 1,000 prisoners from each side. In a post on Truth Social, Trump hinted that the deal “could lead to something big,” though he didn’t offer specifics.
If the U.S.–Russia agreement moves forward, it would mark the first major swap between the two nations since the release of American teacher Marc Fogel in February, after spending more than three years in a Russian prison. Other Americans currently held in Russia who could be part of the deal include 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard—convicted for allegedly fighting for Ukraine—and 35-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, arrested in May 2024 on disputed theft charges.
The agreement follows a weekend of intense diplomacy. On Saturday, Trump said he was “absolutely” considering new sanctions on Russia. The following day, he criticised Putin for escalating the war in Ukraine, warning that it could lead to “the downfall of Russia.”
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “But something has happened to him.”
The Kremlin downplayed Trump’s remarks, suggesting he was experiencing “emotional overload” from his peace-making efforts. Nevertheless, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov thanked Trump personally for helping launch the negotiation process.
“We are truly grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their help in organising and initiating this negotiation,” Peskov said.
Lavrov’s comments on Tuesday may signal a new chapter in U.S.–Russia relations. Though tensions remain, the willingness to engage in prisoner swaps suggests the potential for behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
Despite criticising Putin, Trump also expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He accused Zelenskyy of using inflammatory language that “causes problems,” adding, “It better stop.” Trump claimed the war “would never have started if I were president,” calling it “Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war—not Trump’s.” He insisted his current focus is on resolving a crisis he blames on “gross incompetence and hatred.”
