Erdogan pointed to the role of prisoner exchange in building trust between Russia and Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Istanbul on May 23, noted the important role of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine in building trust between the parties to the Ukrainian conflict. This is reported by the Communications Department of the Republic of Turkey.

"During the meeting, our President [Erdogan] stated that <...> Turkey is considering issues such as the prisoner exchange discussed at the talks between Ukraine and Russia, <...>..> as an important step to strengthen trust," the agency said on the social network X (ex. Twitter).

In addition, the Turkish leader noted that it is also necessary not to miss the opportunity to conclude peace. He said that Turkey would continue to assist in ending the Ukrainian conflict.

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Information about the meeting level was not disclosed.

Earlier that day, a Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchange took place. As part of it, 270 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians returned from Ukraine. The event was organized within the framework of the agreements reached at the talks in Istanbul on May 16. In addition, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the exchange is planned to continue in the coming days.