Moscow: Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky has announced that Moscow is prepared to engage in a prisoner exchange with Ukraine. This exchange, which was agreed upon during direct peace talks in Istanbul earlier this week, is scheduled to take place from June 7 to June 9.
According to Anadolu Agency, Medinsky briefed President Vladimir Putin on the recent discussions held in the Turkish metropolis. He outlined that approximately 1,200 individuals from each side would be involved in what is anticipated to be the largest exchange of prisoners of war to date. Medinsky confirmed that Russia is fully prepared for the exchange on the proposed dates.
Leading Russia's delegation in the negotiations, Medinsky conveyed Putin's stance that a leaders' meeting with Ukraine is feasible. However, he emphasized that such a meeting should result in final decisions on pre-negotiated matters, rather than working out detailed agreements.
During the discussions, Russia submitted its draft memorandum outlining Moscow's vision for a peace agreement, consisting of terms for a long-term peace and conditions for a ceasefire. Medinsky noted that Ukraine's position focused on initiating an unconditional ceasefire followed by preparations for a leaders' summit.
Additionally, Medinsky indicated Russia's readiness to transfer the remains of 6,000 Ukrainian servicemen to Kyiv in the upcoming days, while also receiving the bodies of Russian servicemen, as agreed in Istanbul. He highlighted that humanitarian issues were secondary in the talks, with the focus remaining on developing peace conditions.
The recent meeting in Istanbul marked the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, following an initial meeting on May 16 in the same city. The two sides reached an agreement to exchange more prisoners of war, prioritizing the youngest and severely wounded, along with the return of 6,000 soldiers' bodies from each side.