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Full Ceasefire Possible Only If Ukraine Pulls Back Troops, Holds Elections: Moscow

• Zero Hedge

Update(1319ET): The Russian and Ukrainian delegations didn't have a whole lot to talk about in Monday's Istanbul meeting, apparently, given it only lasted for about an hour - but they did reach agreement for another major prisoner swap.

Bloomberg and international outlets report that the warring sides agreed to a second swap involving 1,000 POWs - which to include sick and heavily wounded prisoners, as well as young soldiers under 25-years of age. There was also an agreement for the exchange of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers. As part of this, Russia proposed a two to three day ceasefire for the evacuation of the war dead, to which the Ukrainian delegation responded by demanding an unconditional truce - which has remained a non-starter for Moscow.

Further, per Bloomberg, "The Russian delegation handed over peace proposals that include Kyiv surrendering control of territory it still holds in four partially occupied regions, a Ukrainian official said." The Russian side has made clear that the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the annexed territories is central to establishing a lasting ceasefire.


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