Meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul concludes

The third round of ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia was held in Istanbul. The meeting, which was much shorter than previous negotiations, ended in 35 minutes.

Following the meeting between the two countries, the parties issued press statements regarding the steps taken.

In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was noted that within the scope of the agreements reached in Istanbul on June 2, a group of captured Russian soldiers was retrieved from territories under the control of the Kyiv administration.

The statement, which noted that a group of soldiers was handed over to Ukraine in return, stated that the retrieved Russian soldiers were in Belarus and would be brought to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a post on his Telegram account, stated that the 9th prisoner exchange had taken place in accordance with the agreements reached during the meetings held with Russia in Istanbul on June 2.

"Severely ill and severely wounded defenders are returning home," Zelenskyy said, noting that more than 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have returned home as part of the exchange process.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the prisoner exchange process must continue.

The parties' statements did not provide information regarding the number of soldiers involved in the prisoner exchange.

VARIOUS AGREEMENTS HAD BEEN REACHED IN ISTANBUL

As a result of the negotiations held between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2, hosted by Turkey, agreements were reached on the handover of the frozen bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and the exchange of severely ill and wounded soldiers as well as prisoners under the age of 25.

In accordance with this agreement, prisoner exchanges of soldiers under 25, as well as severely ill and wounded soldiers, were carried out between Russia and Ukraine on June 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, 26, and July 4.

Members of the delegation representing Ukraine spoke at a press conference following the Turkey-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting held in Istanbul under the auspices of Turkey.

Umerov said that they had completed the third meeting with the Russian delegation and that Ukraine had clearly conveyed the priorities expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Emphasizing that the first priority was to organize a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Umerov stated that the participation of US President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in this potential meeting would also be extremely valuable.

Umerov underlined that a real ceasefire and the cessation of attacks on all civilian structures would be the necessary first steps for lasting peace.

Stating that they had proposed to the Russian side to organize a meeting between the leaders by the end of August, Umerov noted that if this were accepted, Moscow would be demonstrating a constructive attitude and would show this to all partners as well.

"UKRAINE IS READY FOR CEASEFIRE AND PEACE TALKS"

Stating that his country views a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire as the foundation of diplomacy, Umerov said, "We are ready here right now for a ceasefire and meaningful peace talks. We expect the other side to take the most fundamental step toward this peace."

Umerov expressed that the ceasefire must be sincere; that attacks on civilian structures and critical infrastructure must also stop, and said they expect further progress regarding the exchange of prisoners of war.

"WE THANK TURKEY FOR ITS FACILITATING ROLE"

Noting that they hope for the release of civilians, especially children, Umerov said, "We would like to thank our partners for supporting our efforts regarding peace, and especially Turkey for its facilitating role on this platform, an important platform for dialogue and peace."

Pointing out that real steps are possible, Umerov stated that the Russian side must also demonstrate a constructive and realistic approach and that they will continue to work to achieve this.

Yuriy Kovbasa, Representative of the Human Rights Commissioner in the Ukrainian Parliament, also stated that they would continue to work on prisoners of war as they have before, saying, "We made a call to the Russian side for the release of people who have been held as prisoners for more than 3 years. The Russian side also accepted this, especially for the exchange of wounded prisoners and those in such conditions."

Answering questions from members of the press, Umerov explained regarding the issue of the release of civilians that it concerns more than 1,200 people and that they will continue their work on this process.

Regarding the possibility of organizing a leaders' meeting between Russia and Ukraine, Umerov said, "We expressed our expectation here. We suggested what could be discussed here and said that we could prepare the agenda in this way."

Regarding whether there will be a fourth meeting with the Russian delegation, Umerov stated that the exchange of prisoners of war will continue in humanitarian terms, and reiterated their calls for the end of all conflicts and a full and unconditional ceasefire in this context.

Umerov also noted that they see the leaders' meeting as a priority, stating that they will wait for the results regarding these issues and that there has been progress in humanitarian terms at this stage.

Pointing out that his country is always ready for talks regarding a ceasefire, Umerov emphasized that they have started talks in the process initiated with the US and that a ceasefire is always a priority for Ukraine.

Indicating that there is no step for the Ukrainian side to take at this stage, Umerov used the expression, "The world should be aware of this and support Ukraine for a ceasefire. We are ready, it is the Russian side that does not agree on this here."

Stating that they started working with the Russian side after 18:00 in the evening and finished the meetings around 21:30, Umerov noted that they discussed humanitarian, political, and conflict-ending issues, and that a result could only be achieved on one issue.

News Source: 12punto