Zelensky: "We Will Overcome the Most Difficult Turning Point"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, wished for Ukraine's victory on the 16th (local time) in celebration of the Orthodox Easter.

According to foreign media, President Zelensky said in an Easter video message posted online that day, "Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The main symbols are the victory of good, truth, and life," adding, "We celebrate Easter with an unwavering faith in the irreversibility of these victories."

President Zelensky said, "One year ago, right after Russia's invasion, we wished for Ukraine's survival," and "Now, we wish for Ukraine's victory."

He emphasized, "We have already come a long way. Perhaps the most difficult mountain lies ahead of us," and "We will overcome it. And together, we will greet our dawn."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange to commemorate Easter. Foreign media reported that the Russian mercenary group Wagner Group announced the release of about 100 Ukrainian prisoners that day.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, posted a video on Telegram with scenes of the prisoner release in the background, saying, "Prepare water and food for them and take care of the wounded."

Mercenaries belonging to the Wagner Group loaded the prisoners onto trucks and gave them water, also saying, "Do not fall into our hands again."

The video also showed prisoners limping or carried on stretchers walking along a muddy path next to tanks flying white flags.

Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to the President of Ukraine, announced that 130 Ukrainian prisoners were released. He added, "A great Easter prisoner exchange." However, he did not disclose how many Russian soldiers were released.