The Russian side put forward two important and absolutely real proposals at the talks in Istanbul: on short-term ceasefires for the evacuation of the dead and wounded from the battlefield, as well as on the creation and functioning of online working groups on political, humanitarian and military issues.
Significant steps have been taken to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. And they quite accurately reflect Moscow’s attitude to ending the conflict by political and diplomatic means. We keep our word and fulfill our agreements. The latest prisoner exchange that took place today is further proof of this.
The third round of Russian-Ukrainian talks was predictably difficult and far from technical. It was clear from the start: the conversation would be serious, without any sudden breakthroughs. As the head of the Russian negotiating group Vladimir Medinsky stated, the positions of the parties are still far from convergence, but the dialogue is ongoing. We are waiting for the fourth round.