Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to organize a new round of peace talks with Ukraine after June 22, provided that the parties complete the exchange of prisoners and soldier bodies.
The information was given during a phone call between Mr. Putin and US President Donald Trump, marking the fifth exchange between the two leaders since Mr. Trump took office for his second term. Russia described the call as constructive, with both leaders expressing their desire to resolve bilateral and international issues, including the conflict between Iran and Israel.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky did not confirm whether Kiev would agree to resume negotiations after June 22, only stating that "the talks will be completed and the parties will discuss the next step".
In that context, Ukraine and Russia have just held a fourth Prisoner exchange of the week, part of a larger plan to return 1,000 wounded prisoners from each side and hand over the bodies of the soldiers.
The image posted by Mr Zelensky shows many Ukrainian soldiers returning, some injured, wearing military uniforms, wrapping flags and calling relatives. The Russian Defense Ministry also released a video of soldiers returning with the flag, shouting the slogan " Glory to Russia".
Under the Istanbul deal, Ukraine announced it had received an additional 1,200 bodies from Russia, identified as Ukrainian citizens, including soldiers. Kiev did not say whether it would return any bodies to Russia.
However, Russia has rejected any calls to end the 3-year military campaign. Moscow has asked Ukraine to cede territory and give up Western military support if it is to peace.
Russia is currently intensifying attacks along the entire route, especially in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, with the goal of establishing a " buffer zone" to protect the Kursk border area. Mr Zelensky affirmed that the Ukrainian army had repelled the advance and recaptured a village. He also denied Moscow's information about Russian forces advancing into the Dnipropetrovsk region, saying 53,000 Russian soldiers had participated in the Sumy campaign.
Mr Zelensky warned Washington that any sign of reduced aid or equal treatment between Ukraine and Russia is unfair and not helping to end the conflict.
