Russia and Ukraine Agree on Prisoner Exchange
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al jazeera, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a new round of prisoner exchanges involving both military personnel and civilians.
The Ukrainian Defense Minister announced that progress has been made in prisoner swaps, with 120 captives expected to be exchanged between the two countries.
He expressed gratitude for Turkey’s mediating role and other international partners, stating, “We appreciate everyone who has supported us on the path to peace, especially Turkey.”
the Ukrainian Defense Minister also said Ukraine is ready to declare a ceasefire to end hostilities but noted that Russia has yet to agree.
He added there is potential for scheduling a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, provided Moscow adopts a constructive approach.
The minister emphasized that their priorities are an immediate halt to fighting and arranging talks between Zelenskyy and Putin.
Simultaneously occurring, Ukraine’s chief negotiator at talks in Istanbul made similar remarks: Kyiv is prepared to declare an immediate ceasefire but expects Moscow to demonstrate goodwill and readiness for peace.
Russian delegation head: We have proposed several short-term ceasefires to Ukraine.
The head of the Russian delegation at Istanbul negotiations confirmed that all humanitarian agreements so far have been implemented.
he said they have reached agreement with Ukraine regarding prisoner exchanges and also repatriation of deceased soldiers’ bodies.
The Russian negotiator also announced Russia’s proposal for establishing three online working groups with Kyiv for continued interaction.
though, he noted technical issues have delayed setting a firm timetable for conducting the prisoner exchange with Ukraine.
The Russian delegation leader further revealed plans for another round of talks focused on prisoner swaps are underway. He added Russia is ready to swap its detained civilians in Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russians.
He reiterated Russia’s proposal calling for several short-term ceasefires during ongoing negotiations. The official confirmed agreement was reached with Kyiv on maintaining continuous contact going forward.
The Russian representative said some children have already been returned from their side back to Ukraine. He concluded by stressing key issues and points of disagreement must be resolved before any meeting takes place between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy.
