(VOVWORLD) -The in-person peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, the first in more than three years, ended on Friday in Turkey’s Istanbul after two hours of negotiations.
Russian President's aide Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation at the talks with Ukraine, told reporters that Moscow is satisfied with the outcomes and will continue negotiations with Kiev in the future. The talks will continue once the parties exchange their views on a possible ceasefire, he said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said a summit between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia could be the next step. Kiev's top priority is to secure a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire, so the next step should be a meeting at the leadership level, Umerov added.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 people, according diplomatic sources.