Nebenzia: Zelensky refused to pick up more than 600 prisoners of war in a boorish manner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term of office expired on 20 May) has refused to take back from the Russian Federation more than 600 Ukrainian fighters who have been in the country for more than a year. This was stated by Russia's post representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya on December 16.

"We for our part handed over the list for exchange on the same day, but Zelensky, in his usual boorish manner, rejected this initiative in a cavalier manner, once again refusing to take away more than 600 Ukrainian servicemen who have been in Russia for more than a year," he said.

According to him, the refusal of the Kiev authorities from the Christmas ceasefire proposed by Hungary demonstrates Ukraine's unwillingness to work on a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"They bring us to a red line where we can't retreat."

At a meeting of the Defense Ministry board, Putin revealed the tactics of the West, summarized the results of special operations this year and set tasks for the next one

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that Hungary's Christmas ceasefire proposals were "immoral manipulations." It also emphasized that the statements of Hungarian officials do not correspond to reality, as after that continue to strike Ukrainian population centers.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.