Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated the importance of U.S. diplomatic engagement in facilitating a prisoner exchange. He stated that necessary contacts are ongoing to finalize the exchange configuration, with lists of prisoners already submitted.
In a Telegram post following a briefing by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Zelensky emphasized that the U.S. is acting as a mediator in the negotiations. He expressed hope that the American side would play an active role in ensuring the implementation of the agreement.
Discussions in the U.S. also included potential formats for meetings and negotiations among leaders aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia.
On May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, set for May 9, 10, and 11. This ceasefire would include both a halt to hostilities and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals on each side.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on May 9 that no proposals had been received from Kyiv regarding the 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. He also mentioned that the Kremlin had never rejected personal contacts and invited Zelensky to visit Moscow.
On May 10, Zelensky reported that Kyiv is in contact with the U.S. regarding guarantees for the implementation of the recent prisoner exchange agreements. He reiterated his expectation that the U.S. would actively ensure these commitments are fulfilled, stating, “These guarantees were taken on by the Americans.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts to facilitate a prisoner exchange with Russia. Discussions include potential leader meetings to end the conflict, while a ceasefire agreement was announced by Trump, though Russia's Putin disputed the terms.