President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of the next stage of release of detained persons had been discussed during the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on October 1.
“We are waiting for this. You know that the return of Ukrainian citizens is a priority for us - for me personally and, I think, for every Ukrainian,” the President said.
He mentioned Ukrainian journalist Stanislav Aseyev who has been illegally detained in the temporarily uncontrolled territories of Donbas for over two years and yesterday met his 30th anniversary in captivity.
“We make every effort to bring him back and return all our citizens, all citizens of Ukraine,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also announced that an agreement had been reached on the beginning of the separation of troops in the area of Petrivske and Zolote.
"Separation of troops in Petrivske and Zolote. I want to reassure the local population - I personally guarantee that you will be protected and the withdrawal of the military will in no way affect your security,” the President stressed.
As an example of successful troops separation, he recalled the situation in Stanytsia Luhanska where the pedestrian bridge is now being restored.