Economic and social consequences of prisoner exchange

In May 2025, a major exchange of prisoners took place between the parties to the conflict - about a thousand people were returned to their relatives, which became the largest humanitarian action in years. For dozens of families, it was a welcome act of justice, but the exchange itself, a humanitarian victory, did not solve structural problems: loss, trauma, demographic impacts and economic hardship remain. Psychosocial rehabilitation of returnees remains weak: the health care system and social support services cannot cope with the scale of post-traumatic disorders and the requirement for medical and social integration. The economic burden on families remains heavy, with many returning penniless, disabled and without work. At the same time, the exchange reduced tensions and provided a political buffer for negotiations, but the exchange did not provide long-term security guarantees - without a political settlement and social programs, the measures remain temporary. International donors have pledged to increase support, but the amount and timing remain unclear.