Zelenskyy optimistic on restarting prisoner swaps, commends Türkiye for support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that Kyiv and Moscow could resume prisoner exchanges by the end of the year, highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role in facilitating the process.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following their meeting in Ankara, Zelenskyy described the talks as “comprehensive and fruitful,” emphasizing that mutual trust between the two countries remains essential, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

He extended his gratitude to Türkiye for maintaining a principled stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and for its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“It is not our first meeting this year, and for that we wish to extend our gratitude,” Zelenskyy said, noting that Ankara’s cooperation “helps our lives” and directly contributes to Ukraine’s defence needs.

The Ukrainian president also underscored the significance of Türkiye’s mediation efforts. “I hope to restart prisoner swaps with Russia by the end of the year, and Türkiye provides great support for this,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva