Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine conclude without implementing a ceasefire, yet both parties concur on agreements for captive exchange.
HOST INSKEEP:
Talks about a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul ended swiftly, unsurprisingly. Yet, Ukraine utilised the opportunity to make a striking demand.
HOST MARTÍNEZ:
Indeed, Ukraine presented Russia with a list of children abducted during the conflict, urging their immediate return home.
HOST INSKEEP:
Who are these kids, and what evidence supports their abduction?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
Evaluating approximately 19,000 children documented by Ukrainian researchers, these youngsters were either taken from orphanages or families during the Russian invasion and occupation of certain Ukrainian territories. I spoke with Khrystyna Shkudor, who advocates for these abducted children and their families.
KHRYSTYNA SHKUDOR:
The primary challenge is that Russia isn't prepared to relinquish these children. They refuse to disclose their current number within Russian territory.
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
During the talks in Istanbul, Ukraine raised these missing kids, pressuring Russia to return them.
HOST INSKEEP:
Do these researchers have names, backgrounds, and supporting information for the children?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
Absolutely. They possess names, backgrounds, and extensive documentation for a significant number of these children.
HOST INSKEEP:
How did Russia react to the demand?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Russians reacted unfavorably. In Lithuania on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said that Russia accused the Ukrainians of exploiting this issue to gain support from the West and Western grandmothers in particular. Despite this, Zelenskyy stated that the Russians at least acknowledged taking Ukrainian children. Upon presenting a list of 400 children to be returned immediately, Ukraine and Russia agreed to discuss their return. However, Russia only consented to consider returning 10 of the listed children and claimed they did not abduct these children but instead rescued them from a conflict zone.
HOST INSKEEP:
Despite no significant progress on the ceasefire, any improvements in the situation since last month's prisoner exchange of over a thousand individuals?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
The prisoner exchange yesterday prioritizes the release of those wounded and sick, as well as young soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. Additionally, Ukraine anticipates the release of around 200 Ukrainian civilians imprisoned in Russia[3].
HOST INSKEEP:
Did the two sides reach any other agreements during the talks?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
The talks resulted in an agreement to exchange the remains of soldiers killed in action[4].
HOST INSPEAK:
Following recent reports about Ukraine's covert operation using drones, can you elaborate on its significance for Ukrainians?
JOANNA KAKISSIS:
Ukraine's successful strike on one-third of Russia's bombers using drones highlights the country's capability to compete against a larger and more resourceful adversary like Russia. The operation has been instrumental in forcing Russia to the negotiating table, representing a symbolic victory for Ukrainians. Additionally, it could potentially expedite peace talks[6].
- In the context of the ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Ukraine brought up the issue of children abducted during the conflict, asking for their immediate return.
- The researchers working on the issue have detailed information, including names and backgrounds, for a significant number of these children.
