The Ukrainian side has already prepared lists of detained citizens and is ready for mutual release at any time, but the Russian side wants to discuss the issue during the Normandy Format Summit, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
"No one will ever forget a single prisoner," the Head of State said during a press marathon.
According to him, there are several lists of people for release: a list of Ukrainians, including Crimeans, helded by Russia; a list of people imprisoned in the occupied territory of Donbas; and a list of Ukrainians whose detention is not confirmed in certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
"Regarding the first two (lists. – Ed.) we are ready (for release – Ed.) even tomorrow. Honestly speaking, the Russian side declares to us that we will not get to this point without the Normandy format. Why am I in a hurry with the Normandy format, because one of the great achievements for our country is solving this issue and returning people, " Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, some of these lists were already discussed within the framework of the Minsk format (at the negotiations of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk).
"But the decision will be at the meeting in the Normandy format. I want to tell you: if the Normandy format is delayed because there will be no separation of troops, and the shots will continue in Zolote, then we will find other formats for how to get our people back. One of them is Minsk. There is another one – my direct talks with the President of the Russian Federation. As for our return, I am ready for direct negotiations. I saw a result, and I am ready for it", Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
