President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Media Corporation Stephen Capus.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Stephen Capus discussed the work of journalists in Ukraine in the context of the Russian invasion. The Head of State commended the international media, particularly Radio Liberty, for covering Russian war crimes, refuting disinformation and keeping the events in Ukraine in the focus of the world's attention.
The President of the media corporation informed the Head of State about the situation with Radio Liberty journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko, who has been imprisoned in the temporarily occupied Crimea for almost three years. Stephen Capus emphasized the importance of the journalist's immediate release.
"For almost three years now, Radio Liberty journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko has been imprisoned in illegally annexed Crimea on trumped-up charges. Vlad was simply reporting the truth about Russia's occupation of Crimea. Releasing Vlad would send a strong signal that people who tell the truth are not forgotten despite these difficult times. We appreciate all the efforts to get Vlad back to his wife Kateryna and daughter Stefania as soon as possible," said Stephen Capus.
He noted that Radio Liberty journalists cover the realities of the war in Ukraine, as well as show the world the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, work on the front lines, expose Russia's war crimes and inform about democratic reforms in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that during all meetings with foreign leaders, he raises the issue of the exchange of Ukrainians, including political prisoners illegally held by the occupiers.
"It is very important for us to bring back all the prisoners. We are working on it. This is a hard work, especially with regard to the return of Crimeans, especially journalists and political prisoners," the President of Ukraine said.
The Head of State informed Stephen Capus on the preparations for the inaugural Peace Summit at the level of state leaders planned to be held in Switzerland. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that one of the issues on the agenda of the Peace Summit would be the exchange of prisoners.
"We are talking a lot about certain issues of this summit. We want to get certain results after it. And one of the issues may be the position on the exchange of prisoners," the President of Ukraine noted.