Zelenskyy demands clear strategy for returning prisoners
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to present a clear strategy for the return of Ukrainian prisoners by the next meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, according to the President.
"I thank all our soldiers, sergeants, and officers for their courage and effectiveness in their actions. Of course, I want to personally thank each of our units that replenish the exchange fund for us, for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that it is crucial for Ukraine to return all of its people from Russian captivity.
"Today, at the Staff, I instructed the agencies responsible for exchanges - Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs - to actively communicate with the families of Ukrainian prisoners. To explain to them transparently how exchange lists are formed and who can be returned now. In general, I instructed them to present a clear strategy for returning our people from Russian captivity. A report on this should be provided at the next Staff," the President added.
Prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia
The last prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place on July 17. During that exchange, 95 defenders were returned from Russian captivity, including members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, and border guards.
Recently, the Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced that Ukraine, with the support of the UAE, plans a major exchange with Russia, during which female prisoners of war will be returned.
According to the ombudsman, Russia is illegally holding over 14,000 Ukrainian citizens. The process of returning civilians is the most challenging.
