- US adviser: Prisoner deal has no effect on Ukraine war
The extensive prisoner swap between Russia and several Western countries, according to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, has no impact on the situation in Ukraine. He sees no connection between negotiations over detainees and potential diplomatic efforts to end the war in the country attacked by Russia. "In our view, these are running on separate tracks," Sullivan said in Washington when asked if successful negotiations could also promote talks about the war situation with the Ukrainians.
The first topic is about the practical questions of the exchange, explained the National Security Advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden. "The other is a much more complex question, which the Ukrainians will lead." As soon as Ukraine is ready for diplomatic steps, the U.S. will closely coordinate with all its partners to support the country.
Russia, Belarus, and several Western countries, with the participation of the Turkish intelligence service MIT, exchanged a total of 26 prisoners at Ankara airport on Thursday. Germany, the U.S., and partner countries released, among others, the so-called Tiergarten murderer and several individuals suspected of espionage from Russia. In return, political prisoners and Kremlin critics were released.
The National Security Advisor emphasized that the prisoner swap, despite being a significant development, does not directly influence the pursuit of justice and peace in Ukraine. He stressed that the concepts of justice and potential diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are distinct matters.
