According to CCTV News, a reporter from the main station learned on April 9, local time, that according to First Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma International Affairs Committee Shamsail Salaliyev, Russia and Ukraine conducted a new round of exchange of remains of fallen soldiers that day. Russia handed over 1,000 bodies to Ukraine, and Ukraine handed over 41 bodies to Russia.
Russia says Putin has not yet made a decision on Ukraine’s ceasefire initiative
Previously, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov pointed out in a regular briefing on April 9 that Russian President Putin has not yet made any decision on the ceasefire this Sunday (Easter).
In response to the news that Russian frigates escorted oil tankers through the English Channel, Peskov said that due to repeated piracy in international waters, Russia has the right and will take measures to protect its own interests. The British side has previously stated that it will intercept the so-called "shadow fleet".
Peskov reiterated that Russia seeks to establish mutually beneficial relations with all countries, including European countries that are unwilling to engage with Russia. Regarding France's remarks that Russia is a threat, he called it "completely baseless." He also revealed that the Kremlin is preparing for contacts between Putin and Indonesian leaders, and relevant information will be communicated in due course.
Zelensky: Willing to meet Putin, but not in Moscow
According to CCTV News, a reporter from the main station learned on April 9, local time, that Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet with Putin, but not in Moscow. He said the meeting could take place in the Middle East, Europe, the United States or other suitable locations.
Regarding the election, Zelensky said that holding the election now violates Ukrainian law. In addition, election voting needs to ensure security, and security conditions are not currently met.
Zelensky had previously changed his tune and said he was willing to hold trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia anywhere.
Our reporter learned that on March 27, local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated in an interview that due to security restrictions, the US negotiating team could only meet in the United States, while the Russian side was unwilling to go to the United States for negotiations.
Zelensky said that Ukraine "communicates with the United States every day" but "encounters difficulties" and feels that it is a mediator in the negotiation process rather than a party to the conflict. He said that due to the situation in the Middle East and security concerns, the United States can only hold negotiations in the United States, while Russia is "willing to hold talks anywhere except the United States." Zelensky said that Ukraine is willing to host a trilateral meeting at any location.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is making every effort to promote the implementation of the trilateral meeting, and pointed out that the meeting can be held in Europe, Türkiye, Switzerland or the Middle East.
