The Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak held a meeting in Chernivtsi with the former prisoners of war and the relatives of Ukrainians currently held in captivity by the aggressor state – the Russian Federation.

The Head of the Presidential Office informed the participants of the meeting about Volodymyr Zelenskyy's intention to hold the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

"Of course, this forum will be held without Russia, but nevertheless, the support of a hundred countries will put a strong pressure on Russia. One of the main goals is to reach an agreement on an all-for-all exchange. I think that this will be a serious impetus for us to get to that point. Because, again, this is very important to us. We will not stop until we get all our people back," Andriy Yermak emphasized.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the challenges faced by the soldiers in captivity. The Head of the Presidential Office asked about the conditions of detention, whether the staff of institutions and international organizations, including the Red Cross, provided assistance, and whether it was possible to receive news from relatives.

Special attention was paid to post-release rehabilitation: what should be improved in this process, what should the state and professional specialists focus on. 

"It is very important for me to hear from you about your life today, about your issues and problems. Whether you think the state is doing everything you deserve, based on your experience and the process of your return," he said.

The participants also discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia. The Head of the Presidential Office noted that Ukraine is doing everything possible to bring them home: the issue is raised at every international meeting of the President, representatives of his Office and government officials.