The 175-to-175 prisoner exchange was prepared in advance, – Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this at a briefing on Tuesday evening, as reported by Ukrinform.

“I was aware of this exchange. I was informed by both the SBU and the GUR (military intelligence – ed.). This is a pre-planned exchange, but in any case, such exchanges are a positive step for Ukraine,” Zelensky noted.

Read also: Zelensky comments on Trump-Putin talks: Ukrainians are aware of what happens when an air raid alarm is declared in Ukraine

The President of Ukraine stressed that the return of prisoners of war is a sign of readiness to end the conflict.

“The transfer of all prisoners, I believe, would be a manifestation of the will and desire to end the war. Because the prisoners, those men and women who have been there for years… we should not be afraid of them. We are adequate people. We will not send them back to the front lines. They need help, medical care, some need rehabilitation. There are prisoners with very serious injuries. Therefore, I believe that (such a step – ed.) is a true manifestation of the desire to end the war,” Zelensky said.

Read also: Kremlin says Putin agrees to stop attacks on infrastructure – media

As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin that lasted more than an hour and a half.