Lavrov: Russian Military Campaign To Continue Alongside Prisoner Swaps
A group of Russian soldiers returns to their homeland, June 9, 2025. X/ @MufazzalKapadia
June 9, 2025 Hour: 1:45 pm
On June 9, Russia and Ukraine carried out their first exchange of prisoners of war under the age of 25.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that his country’s special military operation in Ukraine will continue “in parallel” with the fulfillment of humanitarian agreements with Kiev.
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“We took part in the negotiations in Istanbul. But the operation will go on. President Vladimir Putin made that clear,” Lavrov said during his remarks at the Future Forum 2050.
Russia aims to achieve its military objectives through diplomatic means, primarily by addressing “humanitarian issues, such as the exchange of prisoners,” he added.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia always honors its agreements, “which has been confirmed more than once during negotiations,” and added, “Truth is always on the side of those who demand that agreements be respected.”
“The Ukrainian situation is an example of how diplomacy is still necessary. Right now, our best diplomats are undoubtedly the soldiers on the front line. They are fighting for the truth, honor and dignity of the people,” Lavrov said.
“At some point, the results achieved on the ground will be formalized… This will be done by the military, but of course, primarily by diplomats. Our position is clear. We know what we are fighting for,” he said.
Despite terrorist attacks organized by Ukraine, Lavrov last week proposed continuing negotiations to achieve the goals set in February 2022. Putin responded positively to his proposal.
On Monday, Russia and Ukraine carried out their first exchange of prisoners of war under the age of 25, in accordance with an agreement reached last week in Istanbul.
“At this moment, the Russian service members are in Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance. All of them will be transferred to Russia for medical care and rehabilitation at Defense Ministry facilities,” Russian authorities said.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: Sputnik
