The third round of negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation ended in Istanbul: what was agreed upon

On Wednesday, July 23, the third round of talks between Ukraine and Russia ended in Istanbul. During the talks, they agreed to exchange civilians and military personnel.

This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov at a press conference following the negotiations.

It is noted that the Ukrainian side emphasized its readiness for a ceasefire, including strikes on critical and civilian infrastructure.

“The only obstacle is Moscow’s unconstructive position. Ukraine has consistently advocated for a meeting of leaders. We were ready for it yesterday. We are ready today. And we will be ready tomorrow. Such a meeting can unlock real political progress. Russia must demonstrate readiness,” Umerov said.

A meeting at the leadership level and further stages of the exchange of prisoners and civilians were also discussed. The Russian side agreed to the return of people who have been in captivity for more than three years, including the seriously wounded and young.

It is expected that the format of the new exchange will be “1200 for 1200”. Ukraine will also be given 3,000 bodies of dead soldiers.

Russian media noted that the decision on the fourth round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will be made after the implementation of the new agreements.

Let us recall that even before the talks began, Russia began to effectively block them. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has already stated that “there is no reason to count on any breakthroughs.” He emphasized that Russia “intends to seek to secure its interests and fulfill the tasks set.”

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree approving the composition of the Ukrainian delegation that will participate in negotiations with Russia .

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