Umerov: Ukraine, Turkey, US Discussed Prisoner Release, Return Of Children

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who leads the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul, stated after talks with representatives of Turkey and the United States that the war must end with a lasting and just peace.

He said this in a post on Facebook , according to Ukrinform.

"The talks focused on joint efforts to develop real mechanisms that will lead to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. All sides clearly emphasized that the war must end with a stable and fair peace. A full and unconditional ceasefire is the foundation for effective diplomacy," he wrote.

According to Umerov, the parties also separately discussed humanitarian issues, including the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children. These remain top priorities.

"Russia has once again shown it is not interested in peace - evidenced by its absence from the talks at an appropriate level of representation, its disregard for international initiatives, and its refusal to end the aggression. Together with our partners, we are working on the next steps. Our goal is the return of our people, security guarantees for our state, and peace built on the power of law - not the power of force," he said.

Read also: Zelensky urges tough sanctions against Russia if talks end without results

Umerov, following negotiations in Istanbul with advisers to the leaders of the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, earlier stated that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire and direct negotiations at the highest level.

Photo: com/rustemumerov

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