Kiev has offered the Russian side to hold a meeting between the presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, by the end of August. This was stated by the head of the Ukrainian delegation to the peace talks with the Russian Federation in Istanbul, Rustem Umerov, at a press conference following the meeting.

Umerov stressed that Ukraine consistently supports a meeting of the leaders. "We were ready for it yesterday. Ready today. And we'll be ready tomorrow. Such a meeting can unlock real political progress. Russia must demonstrate its readiness," he said.

Umerov thanked Turkey for its mediation efforts and organization of the negotiations, calling it "an important platform for dialogue and peace."

The head of the delegation noted that Ukraine expects further progress on the issue of prisoner exchange.

He said that during the meeting, the Russian side agreed to the return of those held captive for more than three years.

Umerov added that the Russian Federation and Ukraine have agreed on a further exchange of military and civilian prisoners and will not hold a new round of negotiations on the exchange of prisoners.

"We are continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve a just and sustainable peace - for the return of all our people, including children, who were illegally deported to Russia," he said.

Ukraine agrees to a cease-fire without preconditions. This was stated by the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgy Tikhy, commenting on the results of the meeting. aa.com.tr.

The diplomat added that the Russian side had accepted the proposal to release those held captive for more than 3 years.