Zelenskyy explains the challenges of freeing political prisoners held by Russia

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is more difficult to secure the release of political prisoners, including Crimean Tatars, from Russian captivity than it is to negotiate the release of military prisoners.

Zelenskyy made this statement during a joint press conference with the President of Lithuania and the Prime Ministers of Latvia and Croatia at the "Crimean Platform" summit in Kyiv.

The President explained that negotiations with the Russians for the release of political prisoners are extremely challenging.

"Exchanges of military prisoners are ongoing because we can exchange military prisoners for other military prisoners. However, with the Crimean Tatars – they are being held illegally, just like many other political prisoners: journalists, artists, directors – all these people who simply spoke the truth, believed in freedom, and fight with their words, their truth and their art. That’s why it’s difficult to bring them home," he said.

Zelenskyy urged international partners to increase pressure on Russia to agree to an "all-for-all" exchange format.

"Because otherwise, it is difficult to achieve. We are working through partners: the UAE, Qatar and Turkey. We are working with Azerbaijan and all countries with significant representation and influence, including Muslim influence, but so far, the success has been as it is – we are only managing to bring back Crimean Tatars," the President added.

Read also:

• Putin's visit to Mongolia: Zelenskyy comments on isolation of the Russian president and global responsibility

• Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of ballistic missiles: why they pose a threat to Ukraine

• The Russians begin active assault in Kursk region: situation for Ukrainian forces deteriorates

• The Russians are close to entering Selydove: an analyst reports worsening situation