Kathmandu, : During the third round of Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul, Turkey, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, raised a particularly serious issue concerning children.
Emphasizing that children must be given top priority and protected accordingly, Medinsky noted that out of 339 Ukrainian children under discussion, some have already been returned, while further efforts are underway to ensure the proper care and eventual repatriation of the remaining children. He stressed the need for serious and continued dialogue on this humanitarian matter.
During the talks, Medinsky confirmed that a direct exchange involving 250 prisoners of war from each side is underway and progressing positively. Referring to a previous exchange involving 1,200 POWs on both sides, he added that the exchange of severely wounded and sick soldiers would continue indefinitely along the line of contact.
Russia also proposed streamlining political, humanitarian, and military efforts through the formation of three online working groups. The Ukrainian side reportedly agreed to consider this proposal.
Additionally, Russia proposed temporary ceasefires lasting 24–48 hours along the front lines to allow for the recovery of the wounded and the bodies of the fallen — an appeal made on humanitarian grounds.
Russia stated it had returned over 7,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, while claiming Ukraine had not reciprocated as agreed. Russia also offered to return an additional 3,000 bodies.
Medinsky raised concerns over the fate of 30 residents from the Kursk region, whom Russia alleges were taken to Ukrainian territory by the Ukrainian military and are still being held. Their return has been requested.
On the possibility of a summit between the leaders of the two countries, Medinsky asserted that such a high-level meeting should only take place to finalize and sign off on agreements. He emphasized that there would be no point in holding a summit merely to repeat earlier discussions.
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