Talks on release of Ukrainians held in occupied Crimea, Russia ongoing - Yermak

16.04.2020 12:33

Ukrinform

Negotiations on the release of Ukrainians held in Russia-occupied Crimea and in Russia are ongoing, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak has reported on Facebook, commenting on the progress of today's mutual release of detainees.

"I would like to emphasize that the mutual release of detained persons takes place as part of the 'all-for-all' format. We take away all citizens of Ukraine without exception. This is how strong countries that value their citizens do. Negotiations are ongoing on the release of Ukrainians held in the occupied Crimea and Russia," Yermak wrote.

He noted that a mutual release is always a very painstaking job. There are many controversial issues that need careful consideration, he added.

Yermak recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had repeatedly emphasized that the authorities will fight for the life of every citizen of Ukraine.

"The 'al-for-all' exchange program works effectively and around the clock. The coordination commissions are working permanently, and all statements of relatives are checked. Any adjustments are made immediately. All this is for the sake of the Ukrainians whom we should bring out of captivity," Yermak said.

He recalled that 19 Ukrainian citizens who were in captivity in the temporarily occupied territories will return home on Thursday.

Another phase of the mutual release of detainees took place early on Thursday, April 16. Nineteen Ukrainian citizens, illegally held in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, will be returned to government-controlled areas.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Liudmyla Denisova has already posted on a social networking site a photo with the first nine Ukrainians released from captivity.