The success of the operation to liberate people from Russian captivity was facilitated by the active involvement of international partners of Ukraine - the head of the Presidential Office

The head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak notes that many influential states and international partners have been involved in the process of liberation of Ukrainian and foreign citizens from Russian captivity. He stated this at a briefing on the exchange and return of Ukraine's defenders from captivity. According to Andrei Yermak, the work on the liberation of Mariupol defenders provided a large number of negotiations and consultations at different levels.

In particular, Turkey and Saudi Arabia played an important role in this process. "A telephone conversation took place between President Zelensky and the hereditary prince, in which the President thanked for the help and the participation of Saudi Arabia in this process was highly appreciated," he said. Andriy Yermak also informed that the recent of the Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey, who personally reached the relevant important arrangements.

“I would like to mention President Erdogan's personal involvement in what happened. He provided these security guarantees and the stay of our citizens in Turkey, ”the head of the head of state emphasized. He also added that he regularly communicates with Turkish President Ibrahim Kalin. “I would also like to point out the role of UN Secretary General Antonio Gutherrish, with whom we have been in touch almost daily. He also helped a lot, ”said Andrey Ermak.

The head of the Presidential Office stressed that the Ukrainian side is in constant contact with partners from the United States, the United Kingdom, and they were aware of the details of this operation. Representatives of the countries whose citizens planned to be released were informed.

Andriy Yermak reminded that, in addition to 205 Ukrainian citizens, ten foreigners were released from Russian captivity, including five citizens of the United Kingdom, two US citizens, a Morocco citizen, a Sweden citizen and a Croatian citizen. The UK Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons expressed gratitude to the President of Ukraine and his team, the heads of law and intelligence agencies for their role in the release of five British citizens.

“This has ended many months of uncertainty and suffering, including the threat of death to them by the Russian Federation. We continue to urge Russia to observe international humanitarian law and not use prisoners of war and retained civilians for political purposes, ”she said. Melinda Simmons also emphasized the adamant obligation of the United Kingdom to support the Ukrainian people in its struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brinka noted that the United States welcome the liberation of prisoners of war, including two American citizens. “This demonstrates how close and productive cooperation between the US and Ukraine is. So I want to thank myself, from our country and all Americans, President Zelensky, Mr. Yermak, Baby, Budanov, Monastery, everyone who was involved in it. I congratulate you on the return of so many of your heroes, ”she said.

Bridget Brink also stressed that the United States will support Ukraine as much as it will be needed. The Sweden Ambassador to Ukraine Tobias Tiberg also congratulated the head of state on the fact that such a large number of defenders of Mariupol and other Ukrainians can return home. “These were exceptionally difficult negotiations.