The Ukrainian leader told an independent Russian media outlet that thousands of his countrymen had been deported to be used as “exchange funds” for captured Russian troops. “According to our data, more than 2,000 children went out,” he said. “Their exact location is unknown. They may be there with or without their parents. It’s a disaster. “ Russia denies accepting refugees by force. The state media claim that they were happy to leave the war zone. Zelensky said the “gathering” of civilians for exchange was a “hoax” and could put an end to any desire in Kyiv for peace talks. “I said if they were going to steal children
