US could help Ukraine free prisoners held by Russia — Zelenskyy
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
The US has joined efforts to secure the release of Belarusian political prisoners and could play an important role in freeing Ukrainian citizens illegally held in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his visit to Lithuania.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the US is already working on the release of Belarusian political prisoners, with Ukraine assisting in the process by sharing its experience. He noted that the collaboration has already yielded results, with some political prisoners released.
At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that many of the freed prisoners were unable to return to Belarus and were forced to leave the country.
The President also expressed hope that the US will use its influence to help secure the release of Ukrainian political prisoners currently held by Russia.
Russia stalls prisoner exchanges
In December, Zelenskyy said that prisoner exchanges with Russia had effectively stalled due to the actions of the aggressor country.
He noted that National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov had reached preliminary agreements with the Russian side for a large-scale exchange before the New Year, but Russia began delaying the process, and the planned exchange never took place.
Meanwhile, as of December 31, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that more than 10,000 Russian soldiers have been captured since the full-scale invasion began. On average, Ukrainian forces take 60 to 90 enemy combatants prisoner each week.
