Dear Ukrainians!
Today, we continued our prisoner exchanges – another 186 of our people have returned home to Ukraine. Most of them are military personnel. Defenders who were taken captive on different sectors of the front: in the Donetsk region, Mariupol, as well as in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, and other regions. We must bring everyone home. And for every single name, we keep checking and searching. Among those returned today are people suffering from serious illnesses and those who were wounded. The exchanges are not easy, yet they are happening. But we are preparing the next stages. Importantly, this year, we have already carried out seven exchanges. We brought home a total of 1,429 people this year. I want to thank our team working on the exchanges. Of course, our gratitude goes to every man and woman on the front line who ensures replenishment of Ukraine’s exchange fund and takes the Russians captive. Every such high-performing unit of ours, all acts of courage shown by Ukrainians defending Ukraine, give us the ability to be effective in diplomacy, in arrangements, and in bringing our people home from captivity.
I had a conversation with our diplomatic team. We are getting ready for meetings that can prove useful. There are several formats with our European partners, and we are also preparing for formats with the American side. We know that Europeans are working on new steps in support of Ukraine. I thank everyone in the United States who stands with us – with Ukraine – and is trying to make the situation better for protecting lives.
Unfortunately, the Russian side once again chooses war – everyone heard the response today. Weak response. He simply does not want to end the war. I think many around the world were disappointed by that response. He does not want to change anything, and he does not want to admit that this war appeals only to him – and to those who are making money off him. They were all smiling very broadly today. That means Russia must have less money, and there must be more pressure on Russia. I thank everyone who is helping us. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and wants a real peace.
Today, I received a report from the Security Service of Ukraine. A summary of results for this year, on the front and primarily in operations. SSU warriors – Special Operations Center “A” – are number one in enemy losses inflicted on the battlefield since the start of the year. We are effectively defending our state. We are defending our independence. And today I approved our new operations for the Security Service of Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!