"The more Russian prisoners we take, the more of our people we will return." Zelenskyy tells details of prisoner exchange. Video.

Ukraine returned 106 more of its soldiers who fought in the Bakhmut sector from Russian captivity. Most of them were considered missing.

In this regard, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to all those who helped achieve this result. The President said this in his evening address to Ukrainians on May 25 (to watch the video, scroll to the end of the news).

He praised all those involved in the prisoner exchange that took place on May 25, noting the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, the deputy head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Dmytro Usov, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Malyuk, and the head of the National Police, Ihor Klymenko.

"Everyone who prepared this exchange is well done!" - Zelensky stressed.

"Of course, I am grateful to each of our soldiers who ensured that we had the appropriate exchange fund. Everyone on the front line should remember this: the more Russian prisoners we take, the more of our people we will return," the President said.

On international partnership

On Thursday, May 25, met with the Minister of Defence of Sweden in Kyiv and thanked him for his continued support of our country and our soldiers.

"The meeting focused on strengthening our defence with armoured vehicles. We also discussed our aviation coalition that we are creating with partners," the President said.

According to him, Finland has sent Ukraine a new defence support package - the 16th one, totalling more than €100 million.

In addition, Zelenskyy stressed that the Council of the European Union had made an important decision for Ukraine - trade liberalisation for Ukrainian products had been extended for another year.

"In fact, this is a complete cancellation of duties and quotas until June 24. And this is a new stage in the sectoral integration of our economy - Ukraine and the entire European Union - which definitely makes us all stronger in Europe," Zelenskyy explained.

"As we move towards the European Union, we must make this liberalisation - which is still temporary - permanent, without any exceptions or restrictions. This is in line with the spirit of a united and free Europe - without barriers. I thank our European partners for this decision! Anyone who wants strength and solidarity for the whole of Europe makes decisions like this," the guarantor added.

On the defence of Ukraine

"Today I had the honour to congratulate our State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine on its professional day. I thanked them for the fact that communication in Ukraine remains stable for the state, our military and ordinary citizens despite all threats. This is an important result that helps us to steadily and effectively counteract the Russian occupiers," Zelenskyy said.

He also noted that there is much to thank the National Guard for, in particular, in the Zaporizhzhia sector.

"The 15th Operational Brigade of the National Guard has destroyed a couple of Russian 'dryers'. We are grateful to two of our particularly accurate soldiers. By the way, one of them has already been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and has not only enemy aircraft but also a downed cruise missile to his credit. Thank you, guys! Well done," the Head of State stressed.

"Donetsk sector... The 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, the 18th and 137th Separate Marine Battalions and the 74th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion have distinguished themselves. Thank you - to each and every one of you. Glory to all those who are fighting for Ukraine! Thank you to everyone in the world who helps us!" Zelenskyy said.

The President also informed that on that day he had addressed the community of Johns Hopkins University.

"It is one of the leading educational institutions in the United States. Its alumni are powerful individuals, and some of them have had a significant impact on politics. I wished them to value time as much as possible. After all, every day matters. The more we do today, the sooner we will end the war with our victory. And only ours," the President is convinced.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- On May 25, Zelenskyy took part in events dedicated to the Day of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine. He congratulated the employees of the Service on the holiday and honoured the memory of the victims;

- On May 25, Russia attacked Ukraine with 36 Iranian kamikaze drones. All of them were destroyed by Ukrainian air defence;

- the day before, the President held a new meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. The key topics of the meeting were the supply of ammunition and the transition to new types of aircraft.

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