Ukraine, Russia Agree 1000 for 1000 Prisoner Swap in Turkey
During the talks in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia discussed the ceasefire and humanitarian issues, as well as a possible meeting at the level of leaders. In particular, they agreed to exchange prisoners in the format of "1000 for 1000", said the head of the Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Istanbul, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.
Umerov listed three items on the agenda of the Ukrainian-Russian talks: "firstly, a ceasefire, secondly, a humanitarian track, exchanges (of prisoners - Ed.), and thirdly, a potential meeting at the level of leaders."
"As a result, we agreed to a 1000-for-1000 exchange. We are also working on other conditions for this exchange," he added.
The Minister of Defence clarified that the Ukrainian side will continue to work on the exchange and will report on further steps afterwards.
On 16 May, for the first time in more than three years, direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul.
Russia sent a low-level delegation led by Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky.
According to media reports, the Russians in Istanbul demanded that US representatives not be present at the talks with the Ukrainian side and put forward a number of obviously unacceptable conditions for Ukraine.
Read more: Can Turkey bring peace or ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine?