Economist Podcasts Soldiers’ fortune: Ukraine’s prisoner swap
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May 27, 2025 
Oliver Carroll, a Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, shares poignant stories from the emotional landscape of a prisoner swap in Chernihiv, where families anxiously await news. Ana Lankas, the Brazil bureau chief, offers insights into Brazil's vibrant bull market, showcasing unique events like Expo Zebu and the prized Viatina, the world's most expensive cow. The discussion also highlights the challenges American brands face in a shifting global sentiment, reflecting on the intertwining of politics and commerce.
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Families' Emotional Wait at Exchanges
- Families gather in hope, often without confirmed information about their loved ones in prisoner exchanges.
- Emotional reunions and tears highlight the human cost and waiting in uncertainty for news of soldiers.
Harsh Conditions of Returned POWs
- Prisoners returned in poor physical condition with ragged clothes and medical issues like gangrene.
- The harsh conditions in Russian prisons deeply affect returned soldiers, requiring significant healing.
Russian POW Families Face Isolation
- Russian prisoners receive far less information and support from their government.
- Families often rely on intermediaries like Irina Kronina who act as conduits for communication and updates.