Zelensky Signals New Prisoner Exchange and Calls for Tougher Sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday from Vilnius that a new prisoner exchange is on the horizon following meetings between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul. This announcement comes after a successful exchange of 1000 captives from each side that took place on May 16, facilitated through Turkey.
Zelensky stated, "The talks in Istanbul have concluded and I am awaiting the full report from the Minister of Defense, Rustem Umierov. We are preparing for a new release of prisoners of war.” This news was delivered at the conclusion of a NATO summit that focused on the northern and eastern fronts, where Zelensky had been invited to discuss the ongoing conflict.
In his statements, Zelensky emphasized the urgency for tougher sanctions against Russian energy exports, particularly targeting Moscow's crude oil sales. He asserted that if the recent diplomatic engagements mediated by Ankara do not yield progress towards a peace agreement, then joint sanctions must be pursued, specifically among G7 countries. The President pointed out the need for the U.S. to take a more active role in sanctioning the Kremlin, as no new punitive measures have been approved since President Donald Trump's tenure.
Additionally, Zelensky hinted at a commitment from NATO countries to supply new military aid and sustain financing for armament production in Ukraine. This comes on the heels of a significant operation by Ukrainian intelligence where they successfully targeted and struck more than 40 Russian fighter jets stationed at rear bases with drones, an event that has been described by local media as a pivotal blow to Russia's strategic aviation.
The operation, compared to the notable tactics of the Israeli Mossad, involved over a year of intelligence work and demonstrated the precision of modern warfare through the use of relatively inexpensive drones.
On June 2, negotiations in Istanbul saw a second round of talks conclude in just over an hour, with plans for future meetings to continue discussing the peaceful settlement of the conflict and ceasefire conditions. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, signaled optimism regarding the potential for progress, stating, "We believe that we will make the most of this opportunity, and everyone is watching the negotiations."
As the conflict continues, the developments in prisoner exchanges and military operations underscore the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia war and the ongoing international diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution.
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