Zelenskyy says Russia is playing dirty in POW exchanges - Here’s what's going on
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia is once again resorting to manipulation and dirty tactics in the matter of prisoner exchanges with Ukraine. Despite previous agreements, the lists of prisoners of war have still not been provided, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports.
Ukrainian President said he has been holding talks for the second day in a row with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, and Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Malyuk.
"Ukraine continues to do everything possible to secure the release of our POWs and the return of our fallen Ukrainian warriors. Unfortunately, the full lists from Russia for the exchange of over one thousand people, as agreed in Istanbul, have still not been provided," Zelenskyy noted.
At the same time, the Ukrainian President stressed that the Russians are once again continuing their dirty game.
"In typical fashion, the Russian side is once again trying to turn even these matters into a dirty political and information game. It's important to achieve the result. It's important that people be brought back home. We believe we'll be able to keep the exchange track moving forward," Zelenskyy added.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian leader said that on their part, everything possible is being done.
"And if the Russians fail to comply with agreements even on such humanitarian issues, it will cast serious doubt on all international efforts, in particular those of the United States, regarding negotiations and diplomacy," Zelenskyy concluded.
Prisoner exchanges
During negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on a second large-scale prisoner exchange.
In addition, Ukraine's Minister of Defense stated that the sides had agreed to exchange all severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war, as well as all military personnel aged 18 to 25.
In addition, Ukraine and Russia agreed to the return of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from each side. Ukraine has already submitted the exchange lists in accordance with the agreements.
