MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Ukrainian prison officials have proposed that civilians accused of political crimes be included in the country’s list of 1,000 prisoners to be exchanged with Russia as part of the deal made at the Istanbul talks, the Strana news outlet reported, citing sources among lawyers.
According to the outlet, this would involve people accused of aiding Russia in some way and high treason. These include Ukrainians arrested for photographing military facilities and setting cars on fire, as well as entrepreneurs accused of financial crimes. Strana pointed out that Kiev's desire to expand the swap list may be due to the fact that, if the agreed "1,000 for 1,000" swap goes ahead, Ukraine could be left with few Russian prisoners in custody.
Russia and Ukraine held talks in Istanbul on May 16. Following the meeting, Moscow and Kiev agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, present their vision of a potential ceasefire, outlining all its conditions, as well as continue the negotiating process.
Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo earlier supported the idea that Kiev swap civilians held for supporting Russia along with Russian prisoners of war.