'All-for-all prisoner exchange': Zelenskyy's first step toward Russia-Ukraine peace
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a full-fledged prisoner exchange with Russia as a first step toward restoring peace.
He made the suggestion during a "Support Ukraine" session in Kyiv on the third anniversary of the war.
Calling the proposal a "fair option," he said that "ending the war must begin with steps that restore trust in the situation itself. Because there is no trust in Russia itself."
Prisoner predicament
Zelenskyy highlights plight of Ukrainians detained in Russia
Zelenskyy also highlighted the thousands of Ukrainians detained in Russia, some since 2014.
"And some of them have been held not only since 2022, but much earlier, since 2014," Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine had first floated the exchange idea back in 2024, but Russia did not agree.
The fresh proposal comes amid a push by US President Donald Trump for a swift ceasefire.
Notably, the US and Russia have already held talks in Saudi Arabia, with another meeting due soon.
Security and semantics
Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees, dismisses 'dictator' label
A day earlier, Zelenskyy had even said he would resign if it meant peace or NATO membership for Ukraine.
He said he wanted amicable relations with America and shrugged off Trump's description of him as a "dictator."
"Why should I be offended? A dictator would be offended by being called a dictator," Zelenskyy said.
US-Ukraine relations
Zelenskyy addresses US tensions, rejects 'payback' demand
He stated that he wants Trump to be "on our side" in negotiations, but that he is unwilling to give in to tremendous US pressure to sign a $500 billion minerals deal.
He dismissed this demand as "payback" for previous US military aid, which he characterized as a "grant" rather than a debt.
The Ukrainian leader criticized Washington's proposed financial terms, under which Ukraine would have to repay $2 for every $1 of future military aid received.