Russia and its ‘puppets’ again thwart release of hostages – Gerashchenko
"The Ukrainian side once again proposed to release the arrested Russians in exchange for Ukrainians held in Russian prisons and pardon separatists in exchange for Ukrainians held in the occupied territories. We passed specific lists in the format of 23/23 and 66/19 with a proposal to release our military and civilians from ORDLO ahead of the New Year and Christmas holidays. We are ready to repeat last year’s success and hold the next stage of liberation on December 27. Unfortunately, the Russian Federation and its puppets refused another initiative of Ukraine and thwarted the proposal to release Ukrainians," First Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
Gerashchenko noted that the responsibility for blocking the release of hostages laid "completely on the Russian side."
On December 4, the 100th meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) and its working groups was held in Minsk.
"The Ukrainian side condemned Russia’s armed aggression in the Sea of Azov and called on the OSCE SMM to immediately begin enhanced monitoring of the Sea of Azov and adjacent territories, which should remain without heavy weapons and equipment… At the same time, the Russian side actually blocked the discussion of its military provocation in the Sea of Azov," she noted.
Ukraine demands the immediate release of 24 sailors captured in the Sea of Azov who are prisoners of war, Gerashchenko stressed.
The politician once again reminded that Ukraine did not recognize the pseudo-elections organized by the Russian Federation in the occupied territories of Donbas and its illegitimate "authorities".
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