Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov proposed a new round of talks with the Russian side in Turkey.
The head of state made this statement during his address to the participants of the annual meeting of the heads of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions, titled “From the Power of Diplomacy to the Diplomacy of Power,” according to Ukrinform.
“Currently, our representatives are preparing at least one more prisoner exchange with Russia – and NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov has proposed to the Russian side a new meeting of representatives in Turkey. The agenda is clear for us – the return of prisoners, the return of children abducted by Russia, and preparation for the leaders’ meeting,” Zelensky said.
He called on Ukrainian diplomats to inform host countries about the need for this negotiation format, its specific agenda, and to secure political support for Ukraine.
The first round of talks took place in Istanbul on May 16, with the Russian delegation led by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky, indicating a relatively low level of Russian representation. The Ukrainian side was headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks resulted in an agreement on a “1,000-for-1,000” prisoner exchange.
The second round was held in Istanbul on June 2, where both sides agreed to exchange wounded and severely wounded prisoners, as well as young soldiers under 25 years old, in an “all-for-all” format. The delegations also reached agreements on the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
