Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia
Open source
Russian President Vladimir Putin has opposition from the security forces, and it can interfere with the exchange of prisoners with Ukraine. This was stated by editor-in-chief Alexei Venediktov on the air of Ekho Moskvy.
The journalist believes that the process is hindered by forces within countries that are opposed to their presidents.
“Because Zelensky has a very powerful opposition within the country, which hinders, for example, to extradite, or exchange, or release some Russian citizens. And this opposition is both political and in security forces. And here we have it, too, for you to understand. It seems that Putin will snap his fingers and put everyone on a plane and take them out. Because the security forces come here and say: well, they’re terrorists. Conditionally, I say. Maybe it’s more important for Putin to have a relationship with his security forces than with other presidents," Venediktov said.
The journalist believes that the process is hindered by forces within countries that are opposed to their presidents.
“Because Zelensky has a very powerful opposition within the country, which hinders, for example, to extradite, or exchange, or release some Russian citizens. And this opposition is both political and in security forces. And here we have it, too, for you to understand. It seems that Putin will snap his fingers and put everyone on a plane and take them out. Because the security forces come here and say: well, they’re terrorists. Conditionally, I say. Maybe it’s more important for Putin to have a relationship with his security forces than with other presidents," Venediktov said.
The journalist also expressed hope that over the next week we'll receive an optimistic result regarding prisoners.
Venediktov notes that the exchange process has accelerated significantly recently.
Earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the exchange of prisoners between the Russian Federation and Ukraine requires agreement between the leadership of the two countries.
Special Representative of the U.S. Department of the State in Ukraine Kurt Volker expressed hope that the exchange of the prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation will happen. This was reported by Hromadske.
Volker commented on the situation about the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine during the March of Dignity.
"I really hope that the exchange will happen, but I do not take part in these negotiations. I know that it is very important for the President of Ukraine to bring home everybody and the sailors most of all. I hope, I will be able to meet and communicate with Mr. Surkov," Volker said.
