Russia refuses to exchange Muslim POWs on Ramadan

Daria Zarivna, communications advisor to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, said this in an interview with Voice of America.

“We came up with a proposal to exchange Muslims 'all for all' on both sides as a sign of respect for their culture and traditions. Unfortunately, the Russian side took this idea without much enthusiasm,” Zarivna said.

According to her, such an initiative is one of many creative solutions of Ukraine regarding the prisoner exchange.

“Our negotiating team is characterized by a proactive position. And we are constantly looking for different angles to approach. This is a difficult process that needs to be continued, constantly looking for new ways to get more of our people out,” the advisor to the head of the President's Office said. 

According to the President's Office, since March 11, 2022, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has conducted 39 exchanges. A total of 1,993 people were released, including 184 women and 107 civilian hostages.

• On March 24, Ukraine handed over severely wounded Russian prisoners captured during the large-scale invasion. At the same time, Russia is holding Ukrainian soldiers.

• Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets believes that the UN's conclusions on Ukraine's violation of the rights of Russian prisoners of war equate the victim with the aggressor.