Erdogan: Türkiye to continue mediation efforts for exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine

Türkiye will continue mediating efforts for the exchange of prisoners between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said upon his return from Sochi, where he held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Report informs citing TASS.

“We will continue to play the role of an intermediary in such matters as the exchange of prisoners and the situation with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We hope that this war, which is detrimental to both our neighbors and our entire region, will end as soon as possible with the achievement of a just and lasting peace based on international law,” Erdogan was quoted as saying by TRT Haber.

The Turkish president added that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, “unfortunately, has been going on for a year and a half and there are no prospects for achieving peace on the horizon.” “Instead of exacerbating the problem and increasing tension, we tried to get both sides to meet. Türkiye is ready to make its contribution when the parties ask for it,” Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader also said that other regional issues were also discussed during the talks in Sochi: “We also exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria, the South Caucasus, Libya and Africa. I hope that these contacts will be useful for Türkiye, Russia and our region.”