Medeski: Russian delegation is satisfied with talks and is ready to extend contacts

The head of the Russian delegation to Istanbul, Vladimir Medinsky, said after meeting with Ukraine officials that the Russian delegation was satisfied with the talks and was « ready to continue the contacts ».

Medesky said the Russian side discussed a major exchange of prisoners to be held with Ukraine « in the coming days ». On both sides, thousands of prisoners of war will be exchanged.

– The Ukrainian side demanded direct conversations between Putin and Greenski and we took this request. We have agreed to present its vision of a possible future ceasefire – Medinsky said.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Scarov also said earlier that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to exchange a thousand prisoners of war, the largest exchange since the beginning of the war.

– We discussed the issue of ceasefire. And for the question of exchanging inmates. The result is an exchange of 1,000 people by 1,000. That’s the result of our meeting – said Scarov.

He added that the exchange date has been set but will not be publicly released.

Scarov also said that a potential meeting between Volodymir Zelenski and Vladimir Putin was discussed and that a statement would soon be announced a possible new round of talks.

« All modalities » of ceasefire are also discussed, Scarov added.