POW swap in 175 for 175 format had been prepared in advance - Zelensky
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke at a briefing Tuesday night, Ukrinform reports.
"I was aware of this swap. I’d been informed by both the Security Service and HUR (defense intelligence - ed.). This is a pre-deliberated exchange, but in any case, exchanges are great for Ukraine," Zelensky said.
As the president of Ukraine noted, the return of prisoners of war is evidence of willingness to end the war.
"Handing all prisoners, I believe that would be a demonstration of the will, desire to end the war. Because prisoners, those men and women who have been held there for years... we should not be afraid of them. We are adequate people. We will not send them back to the frontlines. They need help, healthcare, someone needs rehabilitation. There are people with very serious injuries. Therefore, I believe that (such a step - ed.) is a real demonstration of the desire to end the war," Zelensky said.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The conversation lasted more than an hour and a half.
