If the Ukrainian state could bring home all its citizens deported by the Russians today and right now, it would certainly do so. However, unfortunately, our fellow citizens are in the hands of the Russian Federation.
This was stated on air by Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"When there is rightful outrage and expectations for quicker and larger exchanges (among Ukrainians ), we must always remember that our people are in the hands of a cruel enemy, and that enemy is the Russian Federation, which invaded Ukraine. And if Ukraine could take everyone back today and right now, we would certainly do that. But unfortunately, our people are in Putin's hands. And we must carefully and confidently bring them home, improving their conditions while they are there," said Yusov.
Responding to a question about how to show people that their fate matters and not to harm the exchange process, the Main Intelligence Directorate representative said that anything that helps the world, the international community, and international organizations responsible for monitoring compliance with humanitarian law, ensuring the problem of Ukrainian prisoners of war remains in focus, is needed and correct.
"But any activity that could reveal additional information about prisoners, help the enemy manipulate our society, or create narratives that are beneficial to them... here we need to understand that we must not allow ourselves to be turned into an instrument of Russian propaganda," Yusov emphasized.
When asked if Russia has specific demands regarding exchanges, particularly priorities regarding who they want to bring back, Yusov confirmed that such requests have always existed.
"In different cases, it varies. We won't publicly name these categories now, but it's always a complicated, multi-level process that isn't necessarily foreseen by all protocols. And often, despite the countries that help us, negotiations are, in fact, a bilateral process. It's closed, and the most important thing is that it's effective. Results are and will definitely be achieved," assured the Main Intelligence Directorate representative.
According to him, for Ukraine, the life of every Ukrainian who ended up in captivity is priceless.
"Objectively, the enemy treats its citizens with much less care and love than Ukraine does for Ukrainians. Therefore, this (exchanges) is a complex process, sometimes varying in terms of quantity, but our goal is one – everyone must return home. And that will definitely happen," Yusov assured.
