In his Easter message, Pope Francis called on Russia and Ukraine to exchange prisoners under the "all for all" formula.
Delivering his traditional Easter speech, he mentioned wars and conflicts in the world, including those in Israel and Ukraine. He called for "peace based on the principles of international law".
"My thoughts go first and foremost to the victims of the many conflicts that are going on in the world, starting with the wars in Israel and Palestine, as well as in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open the way of peace for the suffering people of these regions. Calling for respect for the principles of international law, I wish for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine - all for all," the Pope said.
The Coordination HQ for the Treatment of Prisoners of War responded that Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated their readiness to conduct a prisoner exchange on the principle of "all for all", but Russia is unwilling to return its people.