The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, has expressed his support for the initiative of Pope Francis on the exchange of prisoners according to the «all for all» formula. He made this statement in an interview with German TV channel ARD, which was published on April 7 and quoted by Tagesschau.
The Pope’s initiative, which calls for the release of all prisoners on both sides of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, has been gaining support from various international leaders and organizations. This includes the United Nations and the European Union, as well as the Ukrainian government, which has been embroiled in a conflict with Russian-backed separatists since 2014.
In his interview, Budanov emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. He stated that the exchange of prisoners according to the «all for all» formula would be a positive step towards achieving this goal.
The «all for all» formula, proposed by Pope Francis, calls for the release of all prisoners on both sides without any preconditions or exceptions. This would include not only prisoners of war, but also civilians who have been detained during the conflict.
Budanov also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the Pope’s initiative, stating that the exchange of prisoners would bring relief to the families of those who have been held captive. He also expressed hope that this exchange would build trust between the two sides and pave the way for further negotiations towards a peaceful resolution.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also stressed the need for both sides to adhere to the Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2014 and 2015 in an effort to end the conflict. He stated that the exchange of prisoners would be a positive step towards implementing these agreements.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and has left many more displaced and in need of humanitarian aid. The exchange of prisoners according to the «all for all» formula would not only bring relief to the families of those who have been held captive, but also serve as a step towards achieving a lasting peace in the region.
The support of the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the Pope’s initiative is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. It shows a willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution and prioritize the well-being of those affected by the conflict.
In conclusion, the support of Kirill Budanov for the exchange of prisoners according to the «all for all» formula, as proposed by Pope Francis, is a positive step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. It is a testament to the growing international support for the Pope’s initiative and a sign of hope for the future of the region.