175-for-175 prisoner swap was prepared in advance – Zelenskyy
The 175-for-175 prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which was discussed during a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, had been planned in advance.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists, Censor.NET reports.
"I was aware of this swap—both from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), I had received this information. This was a prearranged exchange, but in any case, exchanges are always a great thing for Ukraine," the head of state said.
The President noted that the return of prisoners is evidence of the desire to end the war.
"Returning all prisoners, I believe, is a demonstration of the will and determination to end the war," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Ukrainian prisoners require medical care and rehabilitation.
"They need help, medicine, some need rehabilitation. There are people with very serious injuries. Therefore, I believe that (such a step - ed.) is really a demonstration of the desire to end the war," Zelenskyy said.
As a reminder, on Tuesday, March 18, US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation.
The Kremlin said that during the conversation, Putin told Trump about the preparation of a 175-for-175 exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday, March 19.
