Ukraine and Russia have reached a consensus on a prisoner exchange involving thousands of people and a short-term ceasefire, mediated by the United States.

Through U.S. mediation, Ukraine and Russia have reached a consensus on equal prisoner exchange and a short-term ceasefire

On May 8, Zelenskyy posted on his Telegram channel stating that the lives of prisoners of war are more important than the Red Square event, and that Ukraine and Russia have finalized arrangements for a thousand-for-thousand prisoner swap and ceasefire. The full text is as follows:

"Recently, there has been significant public demand and signaling regarding the upcoming situation in Moscow, which is closely related to our Ukrainian long-range sanctions measures. The principle of reciprocal countermeasures we adhere to is well known, and we have clearly communicated this to Russia.

When establishing our position, one crucial consideration has always been addressing one of the core humanitarian issues in this war — the exchange of prisoners of war. For us, the significance of Red Square pales in comparison to the lives of Ukrainian soldiers who can return home.

Therefore, today, through U.S. intermediary efforts within the negotiation framework, we have secured Russia's agreement to conduct a prisoner exchange on a one-thousand-for-one-thousand basis. Additionally, both sides have agreed to implement a silent ceasefire from May 9 to May 11. Ukraine has consistently worked tirelessly to repatriate its citizens detained by Russia, and I have instructed my team to immediately prepare all necessary arrangements for the prisoner exchange.

Thank you to the President of the United States and his team for their effective diplomatic mediation. We expect the U.S. to monitor Russia’s genuine implementation of all agreed-upon commitments.

Honor to Ukraine!"

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864686001225728/

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