Istanbul: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed developments in the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which were held yesterday in Istanbul, in a phone call with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio. A source at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the phone call addressed the steps taken to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, along with a comprehensive assessment of the results of the second round of negotiations hosted by Istanbul.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the two ministers also discussed the latest developments in Syria and the Gaza Strip, within the framework of coordinating regional and international efforts to contain the ongoing crises. Istanbul witnessed a new round of talks yesterday between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Initial understandings were reached regarding a prisoner exchange, while the Russian side submitted a memorandum containing a ceasefire proposal.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan participated in the meeting, which included the Russian delegation, headed by Russian Presidential Advisor Vladimir Medinsky, and the Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustam Umarov.