Biden calls for the release of all Ukrainians held in Russian prisons
During a phone call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, US Vice President Joe Biden called for the release of all Ukrainian prisoners being held in Russia, according to a statement on the White House’s website.
“The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the release of Ukrainian pilot and Rada member Nadiya Savchenko and called for the release of all Ukrainians unlawfully detained in Russia,” the statement read.
Nadiya Savchenko was released on Wednesday as part of a prisoner exchange.
Human rights groups estimate that more than 20 Ukrainians are still being held in Russian prisons.
Biden and Poroshenko also condemned the increase in attacks by Russian-backed forces in the Donbas region, as well as the persecution of Crimean Tatars by Russian authorities.