KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pledged on Sunday to continue prisoner exchanges with Russia, criticizing Moscow for failing to uphold humanitarian agreements and warning that such actions undermine U.S. and international peace efforts aimed at resolving the more than three-year-old conflict. Zelenskiy also cautioned citizens to remain alert to air raid warnings, following a wave of intense Russian airstrikes.
His remarks came a day after Russian officials accused Ukraine of indefinitely postponing the latest prisoner swap. A Ukrainian official swiftly rejected the accusation, stating that Kyiv remains committed to the agreed process. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said that Ukraine had yet to receive the complete list of prisoners expected to be released under deals made during negotiations in Turkey.
“The Russian side is therefore, like always, even in these matters, trying to play some kind of dirty political and information game,” Zelenskiy said.
“The important thing is to get a result, to ensure that people are brought home. We believe that the exchanges will continue and will do everything for this.”
Zelenskiy stressed that if Russia fails to honor agreements even in humanitarian cases, it raises serious doubts about the credibility of broader diplomatic initiatives, including those led by the United States.
“If the Russians do not stand by agreements even in humanitarian matters, it casts great doubt on all international efforts — including those by the United States in terms of talks and diplomacy,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressuring both sides to move toward a resolution. Ukraine has supported Washington’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia has insisted on the fulfillment of certain preconditions before any truce can be implemented. In closing, Zelenskiy urged Ukrainians to remain vigilant amid continued threats.
“In the coming days we must pay attention to air raid warnings. Look after yourselves, look after Ukraine,” he said.