Kremlin Supports Exchange Treaty Agreed By Russia With Ukraine

JAKARTA - The agreement reached during the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine regarding the exchange of civilians and the bodies of the soldiers who died was a positive result, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"The continuation of the exchange and repatriation of civilian bodies, which are basically being held hostage, as well as the repatriation of the bodies of soldiers who died which is an important humanitarian issue which, in our view, must remain a priority. However, this is a positive development," he said, launching TASS July 24.

According to Peskov, Russia's proposal to form three working groups that are "able to communicate online" also signifies positive momentum.

"Online communication can be carried out intensively and regularly according to the wishes of both parties," he explained.

"We'll see how much understanding can result from these proposals," added Peskov.

The third round of direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict took place at the Ciragan Palace, Istanbul, Turkey on July 23.

Prior to the collective meeting, Russia's chief delegation Vladimir Medinsky and Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, held a one-on-one conversation.

The collective meeting lasted about 40 minutes, where both sides discussed the position outlined in the draft memorandum.

After the meeting, both sides agreed to exchange not only military personnel but also civilians.

Russia proposed to Ukraine to form three online working groups to resolve political, military and humanitarian issues.

In addition, Moscow offered to return the bodies of 3,000 other Ukrainian military personnel to the Kyiv regime and continue a brief humanitarian hiatus on the battle line to collect the bodies of the injured and the bodies of the dead.