Kremlin Welcomes Swap Agreements with Kiev
Peskov emphasized the humanitarian importance of ongoing efforts to exchange civilians and repatriate the bodies of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the humanitarian importance of ongoing efforts to exchange civilians and repatriate the bodies of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine.
"The continuation of exchanges and the return of civilian bodies, who are essentially being held hostage, as well as the ongoing repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers, is an extremely important humanitarian matter that, in our view, should remain a priority. Nonetheless, this is a positive development," Peskov stated.
He added that the recent agreements, reached during the third round of negotiations in Istanbul, represent a constructive outcome in the ongoing dialogue between Moscow and Kiev.
Proposal for Online Working Groups Signals Momentum
According to Peskov, Russia's suggestion to form three online working groups—focused on political, military, and humanitarian issues—marks a positive step forward.
"Online communication can be as intensive and regular as both sides are willing to maintain," he explained, noting that continued interaction would depend on mutual willingness.
"We’ll see how much understanding these proposals can generate," he added.
Third Round of Talks Held in Istanbul
The third round of direct Russia-Ukraine talks on settling the conflict took place in Istanbul on July 23.
The meeting began with a one-on-one discussion between delegation leaders Vladimir Medinsky of Russia and Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
This was followed by a 40-minute plenary session during which both sides discussed their respective positions as reflected in draft memorandums.
Agreement on Civilian and Military Exchanges
Following the discussions, both parties agreed to expand prisoner exchanges to include civilians, not just military personnel. Additionally, Russia proposed the following humanitarian measures:
Creation of three online working groups to address political, military, and humanitarian issues
Return of 3,000 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen to the Kiev regime
Resumption of brief humanitarian pauses on the frontlines to allow the collection of the wounded and deceased
Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that the timing of a fourth round of negotiations will be determined once the new agreements reached in Istanbul are implemented. (PW)
Source: TASS