Zelensky offers to exchange a Russian oligarch for Ukrainians held captive.

In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine rejected President Vladimir Putin’s assertion on Tuesday that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine was going “according to the plan,” and offered to exchange a detained pro-Russian politician for Ukrainians being held captive.

Mr. Zelensky asked what kind of plan could account for the heavy casualties suffered by Russian forces since the war began in February. American officials said last month that a conservative estimate put the Russian death toll at more than 7,000 people.

“Who could approve such a plan?” Mr. Zelensky said. “And what is the final level of their own losses acceptable for this person?”

Mr. Zelensky also remarked on the reported capture of Viktor Medvedchuk, a pro-Russian oligarch, by Ukraine’s security service and proposed exchanging Mr. Medvedchuk for Ukrainians captured by Russian forces. Read more

@nytimes