Next round of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia to be held in Istanbul

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Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan citizens protest against the war in Ukraine in front of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, March 27, 2022. - EPA Photo

ISTANBUL - The next meeting of Russian and Ukrainian negotiating teams will be held in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, the Turkish and Russian presidents agreed on Sunday.

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In a phone call, Turkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin discussed the latest developments and negotiation processes in the Russia-Ukraine war, said a statement by Turkiye's Communications Directorate, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Stressing the need for an immediate cease-fire and peace between Russia and Ukraine as well as steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the region, Erdogan said Turkiye would continue to lend every kind of support to this process.

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No dates were given for the meeting.

On March 10, Turkiye made headlines worldwide for hosting the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in the southern Turkish city of Antalya, the highest-level meeting of the two sides since the war began, on Feb 24.

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Turkiye has won widespread praise for its efforts to end the war, helped by its unique position in having friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

The war has met international outrage, with the European Union, United States and United Kingdom, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

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At least 1,119 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,790 injured, according to United Nations estimates, while cautioning that the true figure is likely far higher.

More than 3.82 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighbouring countries, with millions more displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency. - BERNAMA