Zelenskyy: Ukraine and US push for prisoner release, return of deported children
Ukraine is now at a critical moment and is working closely with partners to identify steps that could allow us to end Russia’s war. Ukraine is trying to ensure that the steps, which are coordinated with the United States, include clauses on the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia in an all-for-all formula and the full return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
"We are now at a critical moment and we are working very closely with the United States, with European partners, with many others, identifying steps that could allow us to end Russia’s war against us, against Ukraine, and really bring security to everyone," Zelenskyy said during the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimean Platform on Monday.
According to the president, there is now a lot of noise in the media, as well as political pressure, for what decision Putin wants to make and for legal recognition of what he wants.
Zelenskyy stressed the danger of Putin wanting the principle of territorial value and sovereignty not to be fulfilled.
"And I want to emphasize one more thing. In the steps that we are coordinating with the United States, we are trying to ensure that there are extremely sensitive points in these documents, including the release of all Ukrainian prisoners from Russia in the formula of "all for all" and the full return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," the president said.
He added that these are important steps, but more is needed to truly achieve peace. Ukraine continues to work with partners, especially the United States, seeking a compromise that will strengthen, not weaken it.
The president called on the summit participants to support Ukraine, European principles, as well as the decision to transfer frozen Russian assets.
"Borders cannot be changed by force. Criminals must not remain irresponsible. They must be held accountable for this war they started. That is why the decision to freeze Russian assets is important," he noted.
