Lavrov Announces That Negotiations Have Already Yielded Concrete Results

The process of direct negotiations with Ukraine is important, beneficial, and effective. This was stated by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and government officials.

“I believe this is important and useful. As we know, both phases yielded concrete results,” emphasized the Russian foreign minister, noting that the matter pertains specifically to the exchange of prisoners.

Lavrov mentioned that despite new major provocations from Kyiv, “it is always better to have a channel of communication.” He stressed the need to use all means, including negotiations, to achieve the just aims of the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine.

The second phase of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations on conflict resolution took place in Istanbul on June 2. During this meeting, the parties exchanged memoranda on ceasefire conditions and agreed on a new large-scale exchange of prisoners, where the “ceiling” will be at least 1,000 individuals.

Additionally, Moscow and Kyiv will also exchange the sick and severely wounded on a “everyone for everyone” basis.