In a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, Ukrainian officials found themselves on the sidelines, raising questions about the implications of the deal negotiated with their country's aggressor. The exchange, which was carried out with the involvement of officials from nine countries, caught the attention of Ukrainian authorities, although they refrained from commenting on the matter, including President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The size, complexity, and significance of the swap did not go unnoticed by Ukrainian officials and citizens, who eagerly awaited any indication of how the deal could impact their country's ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite not being directly involved in the negotiations, Ukraine remains a key player in the region and expects to have its interests taken into account in any discussions concerning its sovereignty and security.

The historic prisoner exchange highlighted the ability of Moscow and Washington to engage in diplomatic negotiations, with this deal symbolizing a potential way forward for resolving conflicts that have strained relations between Russia and the West. For Ukraine, a nation caught in the middle, the exchanged prisoners serve as a reminder of the human toll taken by the ongoing conflict and the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

President Biden had previously promised Ukraine that there would be "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," emphasizing the need for direct inclusion of Ukrainian officials in any discussions or decisions involving their nation. While Ukrainian officials may not have been directly involved in the recent prisoner exchange, they will be closely monitoring the outcome and expecting their concerns to be addressed in future negotiations.

As the news of the swap unfolded, questions arose regarding the potential implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukrainian citizens, who have borne the brunt of the conflict, hope that any deals made with Russia will not compromise their country's sovereignty or territorial integrity.

While the prisoner exchange serves as a reminder of the diplomatic capacity between Moscow and Washington, it also underlines the importance of including Ukraine in discussions that directly impact its interests. Ukrainian officials will be closely observing the developments following the exchange, ensuring that their nation's voice is heard in any future negotiations or decisions made regarding the conflict with Russia.

In the coming days, as the dust settles from this landmark prisoner exchange, Ukraine will assert its position and hold President Biden accountable to his promise of including Ukraine in any discussions concerning their nation. The outcome of this deal will undoubtedly influence the ongoing conflict and shape the future relationship between Ukraine, Russia, and the West.