A new exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia may take place in the near future. This was stated by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, Radio Liberty reports.

The GUR said that despite the downing of the Russian military aircraft Il-76 and the statements of the Russian side that there would be no prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, the working groups involved in the prisoner exchange process continue to communicate.

"This gives reason to believe that we will have new results in the near future," Yusov said.

According to him, the situation with the IL-76 had a negative impact on the exchange of prisoners, but Ukraine is interested in finding out the circumstances of the crash near Belgorod.

"Of course, it cannot have a positive impact. It is about the categorical position of the aggressor state. It was immediately made public, and the propagandists worked out the methodology. Ukraine is interested in clarifying the operational circumstances and at the same time continuing the process of bringing home our defenders, as well as civilians, who are mostly in extremely difficult conditions," added Yusov.