President Zelensky: It is impossible to unblock Mariupol through military means now

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says it is impossible to unblock the city of Mariupol through military means at the moment, and Russia returns Ukrainian servicemen only if they were taken prisoner and released via prisoner swap.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“It is impossible to unblock the city of Mariupol through military means. It is impossible today,” Zelensky said.

In his words, at the moment Ukraine does not have such heavy weapons that would allow them to unblock Mariupol through military means.

“These are not thoughts. These are the conclusions made by the leadership of the Ukrainian Army,” Zelensky stressed.

Meanwhile, all civilians have been evacuated from the Mariupol-based Azovstal plant. According to the President of Ukraine, the Russian military, leadership of the Russian Army and the political leadership of the aggressor state do not want to release Ukrainian servicemen.

“Russia swaps servicemen only if they are prisoners – for prisoners. This is the answer we have received from the Russian Federation. There are no other answers,” Zelensky explained.

At the same time, Zelensky promised that Ukraine would bring all its territories back as soon as possible.

A reminder that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is paying a visit to Kyiv on May 8, 2022. Before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trudeau visited Irpin, Kyiv Region.

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