Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy discloses arrangements for a fresh POW trade with Russia
Get the scoop on the latest update regarding the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During a visit to Lithuania, Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine and Russia are working towards a significant prisoner exchange. Documents corresponding to the deal were allegedly handed over to Russia through a mediator from the Turkish side, as reported by the Ukrainian President. This announcement follows the second round of negotiations in Istanbul.
President Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine plans to release multiple prisoners of war in the upcoming exchange. His advisor, Andriy Yermak, also revealed that a list of hundreds of children abducted or detained by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories has been given to Moscow.
Furthermore, Zelensky remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not receive any rewards for his war against Ukraine. He stated that it would send the wrong message and encourage more aggression.
After the long discussions in Istanbul, which concluded on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry declared that they ended "without a negative outcome."
Taking a look at the terms and conditions of the agreed-upon exchange, it is expected to involve at least 1,000 prisoners on both sides, with potential for a 1,200-for-1,200 swap[1][2]. The exchange will include severely injured soldiers, young people aged 18 to 25[1][2], imprisoned journalists, and political prisoners held by Russia[1]. Previous talks led to a substantial prisoner exchange, but no progress towards a ceasefire was made.
In addition to the prisoner exchange, Ukraine has outlined three crucial priorities: a 30-day ceasefire, negotiations for another prisoner exchange, and the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children[2]. Both sides have agreed to submit their "peace memorandum" outlining their key positions in the peace negotiations[2].
Although the prisoner exchange is an important step, achieving a ceasefire remains challenging. Ongoing disagreements over the "root causes" of the conflict pose a barrier to reaching a broader peace deal with Russia[2]. The return of forcibly deported children is a critical issue for Ukraine, with the head of Ukraine's presidential office expressing the need for a response from Russia[2].
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops!
[1] Enrichment Data - nytimes.com
[2] Enrichment Data - cnn.com
The community and employment policies of Ukraine may need to address the release and re-integration of prisoners of war, seized journalists, and political prisoners in light of the anticipated major prisoner exchange with Russia. This prisoner exchange, following the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, is also a significant event that underscores the ongoing political tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which can be classified under the general-news category.
