Ukrainian President says it is impossible to unblock the city of Mariupol through military means at the moment, and Russia returns Ukrainian servicemen only if they were taken prisoner and released via prisoner swap. The relevant statement was made by Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv.

“It is impossible to unblock the city of Mariupol through military means. It is impossible today. At the moment Ukraine does not have such heavy weapons that would allow them to unblock Mariupol through military means.

These are not thoughts. These are the conclusions made by the leadership of the Ukrainian Army.

Russia swaps servicemen only if they are prisoners – for prisoners. This is the answer we have received from the Russian Federation. There are no other answers.

I promise that Ukraine would bring all its territories back as soon as possible”, - said Zelensky.