Kremlin explains why Ukrainians held in Russia not considered POWs

"Of course, Moscow has an interest in seeing its citizens [back] in their own country. Of course, we are ready to take all measures necessary to free the Russian citizens," Peskov told journalists, responding to UNIAN's question whether Russia is interested in exchanging Russians captured in Ukraine for Ukrainian nationals kept in Russian prisons.

Read alsoPoroshenko's envoy announces new talks on next prisoner exchange"As for a number of individuals who are convicted here in Russia, they certainly cannot be considered as prisoners or persons held in captivity – they have been convicted in Russia under Russian law. In any case, such issues are resolved at the highest level, and everything depends on the decisions made by the head of state," Peskov said.