The demand put forward by Russia to include in the latest prisoner swap lists suspects in the mass killings of protesters during the Revolution of Dignity of 2014 illustrates Moscow's involvement in said crimes, Ukrainian World Congress believes.
"While the UWC welcomes the return of 76 Ukrainian political and military prisoners to their families, the global Ukrainian community shares the deep concern of Ukraine's civil society about the actual cost of this exchange and its future implications," UWC wrote on its website.
"These concerns relate to the exchange by Ukraine of suspects accused of torturing and killing peaceful protesters during Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity in 2014. This demand by Russia further demonstrates its direct involvement in the crimes committed against the 2014 peaceful demonstrations in Ukraine, which they continue to deny. This is another glaring example of the hybrid war Russia wages against Ukraine," the organization stressed.
"With its demand for the exchange of these security forces, Russia can no longer deny its responsibility for the atrocities committed during Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, nor its control over proxies and mercenaries" of the so-called "LPR" and "DPR", according to UWC.
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The Congress has once again called on the international community to declare Russia an aggressor state, and maintain pressure and sanctions "to prevent further hostage-taking and ensure effective implementation of the Normandy summit resolutions."
The UWC has also called on President Zelensky and Government of Ukraine "to uphold the rule of law and remain committed to the independence and integrity of the judicial system in Ukraine."
"Implementation of the Normandy resolutions is necessary for peace in Ukraine, but it must be fair and not at all cost," said Paul Grod, UWC President.
