Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Speaks Out on Ceasefire Talks with US and Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken out about the recent ceasefire talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in Saudi Arabia. In an interview, he said that one of the main goals was to return Ukrainian children who were illegally deported to Russia.
According to Zelensky, US representatives met with Ukrainian and Russian delegates from March 23-25. They agreed on a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea and temporarily halted strikes against energy infrastructure.
A key point in the talks was the exchange of Ukrainian children for prisoners of war and civilian detainees. The US also committed to returning forcibly kidnapped Ukrainian children.
Zelensky acknowledged that the partial ceasefire had limitations but said that any step towards a ceasefire brings Ukraine closer to peace and fewer losses.
Ukraine already agreed to a 30-day full ceasefire proposed by the US, but Russia has refused.
The talks also resulted in an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. Both sides agreed to develop measures for implementing a ban on striking energy facilities.
Zelensky emphasized that returning Ukrainian children is a top priority for Ukraine, with at least 19,500 children confirmed as abducted by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Only about 1,200 have been brought home so far.
The fate of four missing soldiers remains unknown, and rescue efforts are underway.