According to the Russians, the call was made on the US initiative.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov phoned on Saturday with US boss Marc Rubio, with whom they discussed the results of Friday’s direct interviews of Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul. This was announced by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reports AFP and Reuters.
Lavrov, according to his resort, pointed out the “positive role” of the United States in that they helped ensure the restoration of talks between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow is ready to continue cooperation with Washington on this matter, says a press release.
Rubio in the phone call welcomed the agreed exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, as well as an agreement of both parties to present their views on the necessary ceasefire conditions, the Russian ministry added. According to him, the call was made on the US initiative.
Russia and Ukraine negotiators met on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey for the first time in more than three years. The talks lasted about an hour and a half and ended with an exchange of 1000 prisoners from both sides. Further meetings should be focused on the ceasefire and the final peace agreement, but they have not yet set any deadline, DPA added.
