‘Swap All Prisoners Of War’: Zelenskyy Hopes To End Ukraine Conflict, Lays Out Condition For Putin

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 17:08 IST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia should release all Ukrainians and his country is ready to do the same.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a meeting with European leaders and Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv, to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (IMAGE: AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a complete exchange of all prisoners of war with Russia as the “start" of a process on ending the conflict.

“Russia must release Ukrainians. Ukraine is ready to exchange all for all, and this is a fair way to start," Zelenskyy said in a summit in Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

He called for long-term and sustainable peace in Ukraine this year.

“This year should be the year of the beginning of a real, lasting peace. Putin will not give us peace or give it to us in exchange for something. We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity," Zelenskyy said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch what he called a “special military operation" set off the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Tens of thousands of soldiers — from both sides — and Ukrainian civilians have been killed, cities across the country’s south and east have been flattened and millions forced to flee their homes.

But three years after the West rallied behind Ukraine and Zelensky, Trump’s return to the White House has threatened to upend that coalition of support and has brought vital military and financial aid into question at a critical juncture in the war.

Russian troops are still advancing across the east and Moscow has been emboldened by Trump’s diplomatic outreach and his scepticism over long-term support for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy on Monday hailed “three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians," adding: I thank everyone who defends and supports it."

Kyiv, Ukraine

News world ‘Swap All Prisoners Of War’: Zelenskyy Hopes To End Ukraine Conflict, Lays Out Condition For Putin