Andriy Yermak informed them of today’s prisoner exchange. The parties coordinated next steps aimed at compelling Russia to cease fire as a prerequisite for launching negotiations on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Every one of our citizens, every Ukrainian servicemember and civilian, all Ukrainian hostages held in Russia – we must free all of them. Today, almost four hundred, 390 people are back home – both military and civilians. Tomorrow and the day after, the next stages will follow. The formula is a thousand for a thousand.

On the Day of Ukraine’s Marine Corps, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the warriors and their families, presented the highest state awards, and handed over battle flags, ribbons of the honorary distinction “For Courage and Bravery,” and a ribbon bearing the honorary brigade name to unit commanders.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusylо held a video call with Cynthia Termorshuizen, Canada’s Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated those present on the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity, which Ukraine marked for the first time just recently.

Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps – for a real ceasefire and the establishment of a new security architecture. We are doing all the necessary groundwork on our side. What’s needed is a reciprocal readiness from Russia – and it’s not there now. Without global pressure, that won’t change.