**Families of Ukrainian POWs Demand Release**
On March 6, a peaceful rally was held outside the US Embassy in Kyiv. Relatives and friends of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and missing persons protested to urge Washington to help secure the release of all Ukrainian soldiers and civilians held in Russian captivity.
The protesters demanded an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange before any peace deal with Russia is signed. This means that Ukraine wants all its soldiers and civilians held by Russia released, as well as all Russians held by Ukraine.
Ukraine has conducted multiple prisoner swaps with Russia throughout the war. However, Moscow has refused to agree to an all-for-all exchange since 2024. Ukraine does not disclose the exact number of its soldiers held in Russian captivity, but estimates say over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are being held by Russia.
Additionally, Russia has forcibly deported more than 19,500 Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, or occupied territories.
**Background on the Conflict**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalated in 2022, with tens of thousands of civilians killed. The war has led to multiple prisoner swaps, but an all-for-all exchange remains a sticking point.
US President Donald Trump has pushed for a swift peace deal with Russia that foresees concessions from Kyiv, but not the aggressor state. However, this has been met with resistance from Ukraine and some US officials.
**Escalating Tensions**
The protests come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv following a contentious meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28. The talks ended in a public dispute, leading to the cancellation of a U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal.
Since then, Trump has cut US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, while some US officials have intensified criticism of Zelensky, suggesting he should resign.
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