Ukraine in talks with Russia on return of Ukrainian and foreign POWs - Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with the American TV channel NBC, Ukrinform reports.

"I want to thank heroic soldiers from around the world who volunteered to defend our independence. Everyone understands that the war in Ukraine today is here, on this soil, but tomorrow it may be taking place in Europe, and the day after tomorrow it may be taking place in the United States. So it is absolutely fair to say that the war in Ukraine is already a war in Europe and the United States, just territorially it is taking place here. And that is why I am grateful to all these heroes," Zelensky said.

He noted that today Russia is holding thousands of Ukrainian prisoners, including foreign volunteer fighters who came to defend Ukraine. According to him, negotiations are underway with Russia to release both Ukrainian and foreign soldiers from captivity.

"By not releasing Britons or by not releasing guys from the United States, Russia is simply showing that it wants these states to communicate with it," the president added.

Earlier reports said that a "court" of the self-proclaimed entity DNR sentenced to death three foreign nationals who took part in hostilities on the side of the Ukrainian army.

British nationals Shaun Pinner and Aiden Aslin and Morocco-born Brahim Saadoun were found guilty of "mercenary activities and committing actions aimed at seizing power."

The Britons were taken prisoner in Mariupol in mid-April and Saadoun in Volnovakha in March.