Zelensky Accuses Putin of Refusing Peace Talks, Announces Prisoner Exchange

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Friday of refusing high-level dialogue, asserting that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's decision confirms the continuation of the conflict that began over four years ago. Zelensky stated that Putin "simply does not want to end the war."

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Unfortunately, the Russian side is again choosing war. (...) He simply does not want to end the war.

"Unfortunately, the Russian side is again choosing war. (...) He simply does not want to end the war," Zelensky declared in his nightly video address to the nation, according to News.ro. He added that Russia's refusal to accept a direct Zelensky-Putin meeting disappoints the international community. "I think this response has disappointed many in the world. He doesn't want to change anything, he doesn't want to admit that this war pleases only him and those who profit from it."

The statements come after Vladimir Putin stated at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum that a direct meeting "is not of interest" without a negotiated peace agreement already in place. Zelensky urged for increased pressure on Moscow, saying, "This means that money from Russia must be reduced, and pressure on Russia must increase."

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I think this response has disappointed many in the world. He doesn't want to change anything, he doesn't want to admit that this war pleases only him and those who profit from it.

Separately, Zelensky announced a new prisoner of war exchange, one of the few concrete results of indirect dialogue between the two sides. According to him, 186 Ukrainians, mostly military personnel, were released. "In today's exchange are people with serious illnesses and who have suffered injuries. Exchanges are not easy, but they are happening," the Ukrainian president said, adding that such actions will continue: "We are preparing the next stages."

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This means that money from Russia must be reduced, and pressure on Russia must increase.

Zelensky also mentioned that new international contacts are being prepared, including "meetings that could be useful," specifically "formats with the American side." He indicated that he has approved "new operations" for Ukraine's Security Service, as Kyiv has intensified actions on Russian territory recently.

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In today's exchange are people with serious illnesses and who have suffered injuries. Exchanges are not easy, but they are happening.