desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that Russia mistakenly handed over the bodies of at least 20 Russian soldiers to Ukraine in the recent exchange of bodies. Zelensky called it the result of Russia's disorganization, which is being negligent in identifying its soldiers in the war and examining the bodies. Talking to reporters on Friday, Zelensky said, "Russia imposed the bodies of its citizens on us. This shows how irresponsible they are towards their soldiers and the war. Russian passports were also found near some bodies." He said that Russia had claimed that all these bodies belonged to Ukrainian soldiers, but the Russian passport and ID found near one body proved that he was a resident of Moscow. The exchange also included the body of an Israeli citizen, although his identity was not revealed.
Zelensky expressed this doubt about Russia
Zelensky said that the only concrete outcome of the direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul was the exchange of bodies of prisoners of war and dead soldiers. In June, both sides agreed to exchange 6,000-6,000 bodies, but Ukraine was concerned that there was not enough time for identification and forensic examination of such a large number of bodies. Zelensky suspected Russia of trying to please the US and avoid sanctions by pretending to hold peace talks, but in reality Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no mood to end the war. He said, 'We have to decide whether to continue the talks in Istanbul or not, because this is a difficult question for us.'
Impact of Iran-Israel war on Ukraine
Zelensky expressed concern over the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. He said that Ukraine is suffering due to Iran's military alliance with Russia. The Ukrainian President said, 'Iran gave weapons, missiles and drones to Russia, which are being used against us. If Iran's ability to make weapons has decreased, then it is good for us, but sometimes this help comes late. ' He also said that Russia has attacked Ukraine by modifying Shahed drones received from Iran. Zelensky said that Russia used the Orik missile in November 2024, which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Out of the 39 Russian companies involved in the manufacture of this missile, 21 have not yet been sanctioned. He raised the question, 'Why were these companies not immediately sanctioned? This is beyond comprehension.'
'Use of indigenously made interceptors begins'
Zelensky denied rumors that the Patriots air defense system was destroyed in recent Russian drone attacks. He said Ukraine has started using its domestically made interceptors, which are effective in shooting down martyr drones. Funding has been sought from Germany to increase the production of these weapons. Zelensky appealed to Western countries to give 0.25 percent of their GDP to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry. Zelensky said he would probably attend the NATO summit this week, but would take a final decision on Monday. He could not meet US President Donald Trump last week due to his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada.
--Advertisement--
