The diplomat is convinced it will not work

Kurt Volker, the U.S. Special Representative to Ukraine BBC

Extension of the arrest of Ukrainian POWs and facilitation of the issuance of Russian passports to the residents of Luhansk and Donetsk regions is an attempt to pressure Zelensky on the eve of parliamentary elections, as the U.S. Special Representative to Ukraine Kurt Volker has assured, Voice of America reported.

“I am convinced that President Putin and Russia use sailors and the issue of Russian passports aimed at pressuring Zelensky and damage his pre-election prospects. But I don’t think that this will work. Ukrainians have their own opinion concerning their choice. They do understand that such pressure Russia puts against Ukraine can’t win,” Volker commented.

Lefortovo Moscow Court extended arrest of all 24 Ukrainian POW sailors until the end of October.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin distributed the effect of the order on facilitated issuance of Russian citizenship on all the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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