WASHINGTON
The UN welcomes the Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul aimed at advancing peace efforts between the two countries, a spokesperson said Friday.
“We welcome today’s talks, the first such direct negotiations in three years, including discussions on a potential ceasefire and large-scale exchange of prisoners of war,” Stephanie Tremblay said at a news conference.
The UN noted the “important role” of Türkiye and the US, Tremblay said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the intense diplomatic talks, held under Türkiye’s facilitation, resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side as a confidence-building measure.
Fidan said Ukrainian and Russian officials agreed in principle to meet again for negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire.
“We hope this process will lead to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which would serve as a critical step towards creating the conditions for a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions,” Tremblay said, adding the UN stands ready to support “all meaningful efforts” to that end.
