Budanov announced a new large-scale prisoner exchange
Ukraine and Russia may carry out another major prisoner exchange in the near future. The head of the Office of the President, Kirill Budanov, stated that preparations for the exchange are underway, but he did not specify the exact timing or the number of people scheduled to be returned.
He noted that a prisoner exchange had already taken place recently. In addition, on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the country managed to repatriate ten more people from Belarus. According to Budanov, the process does not end there. Ukraine is expecting another large-scale exchange with Russia. “By the way, we recently saw one exchange take place, and then on Independence Day, ten more people were returned from Belarus. And there will be another major one very soon,” he said.
At the same time, Budanov did not specify exactly when the exchange might take place or how many Ukrainians are planned to be returned home.
Ukraine Will Seek an Agreement on the Black Sea
In addition to the issue of prisoners of war, Budanov stated the need to reach an agreement regarding the situation in the Black Sea. According to him, Ukraine will continue to seek opportunities for such agreements. He did not disclose any details about possible negotiations.
“We’ll look for options regarding the sea, because something needs to be done about this,” Budanov noted. The Black Sea remains a key area of focus during the war. This pertains, in particular, to the safety of shipping and the operation of Ukrainian ports.
The war may continue into the winter
At the same time, the head of the Office of the President does not expect the war to end anytime soon. He was asked whether Ukraine would have to continue combat operations in the winter. Budanov replied that, in his opinion, that possibility remains. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid so,” he said.
Thus, Ukraine is simultaneously working on new prisoner exchanges and seeking agreements regarding the Black Sea. At the same time, according to Budanov’s assessment, it is not yet worth counting on a quick end to the war. Kyrylo Budanov made these remarks during an interview while commenting on the latest agreements between Ukraine and Russia regarding the return of people.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, believes that the current political situation in Ukraine is tense, but it is too early to speak of a crisis. He called on political forces and society to prevent internal division, as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.
