Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated on the 23rd that Russia will hold a second round of talks with Ukraine, and the drafting of the Russian peace agreement memorandum has entered the final stage.
He revealed that Ukraine has confirmed it will hold a second round of talks with Russia, but the date and location of the talks have not yet been determined.
He said that Russia has constantly emphasized its willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine at all levels to eliminate the roots of the conflict and does not shy away from contact. Currently, Ukraine has not responded to this matter.
Massive Prisoner Exchange after Direct Talks Between Russia and Ukraine
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the 23rd that after Russia and Ukraine reached a prisoner exchange agreement in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 16th of this month, the first phase of the massive prisoner exchange has been completed.
The report stated that Ukraine handed over 270 Russian soldiers and 120 civilians. In return, Russia handed over 270 Ukrainian prisoners of war and 120 civilians to Ukraine.
Currently, the Russian personnel returned in the exchange are receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the Russia-Ukraine massive prisoner exchange plan will continue in the coming days.
On the 16th, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held their first direct talks in more than three years in Istanbul, Turkey. Both sides reached a consensus on exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war and expressed a willingness "in principle" to continue contact and negotiations.