Archive photo of TASS
MINSK, 27 May (BelTA) - Russia has acknowledged the significant contribution of Belarusian government agencies in facilitating the successful "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner exchange with Ukraine, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said, BelTA has learned.
When asked about the possibility of organizing a negotiation platform in Minsk, Maria Zakharova emphasized that Belarus has experience in organizing talks to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. "We appreciate Minsk’s genuine empathy and solidarity with what is happening in the region. This has been stated by the Belarusian president, and I believe the brotherly people of Belarus hold the same position," she said.
The spokeswoman also recalled that in 2014 and 2015 important agreements were reached in Minsk, which had the potential to halt the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
"These agreements were endorsed by the UN Security Council resolution, making them mandatory for all parties. Minsk hosted contact group meetings, creating all necessary conditions for dialogue between Kiev, the DPR [the Donetsk People's Republic], and the LPR [the Lugansk People's Republic], with OSCE and Russia acting as mediators," she stressed.
Maria Zakharova remarked that after the start of the special military operation, Minsk was the first to suggest organizing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. She also praised Belarus' invaluable humanitarian assistance. “We see how Minsk is helping Russian servicemen and civilians from Kursk Oblast who have been held captive in Ukraine return home, reunite children with their families,” she said.
The spokeswoman expressed deep gratitude to Belarus for its government agencies' role in facilitating the largest "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. She noted that the decision on where future negotiations will take place will be made by the Russian leadership.
Earlier, Press Secretary of the Belarusian president Natalya Eismont responded to journalists' question about Belarus' readiness to host a new round of negotiations if Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement. She emphasized that Belarus has never sought the role of mediator, neither in the past nor now. Natalya Eismont remarked that this is the principle of Belarus. However, if it is necessary for peace in Ukraine and all parties agree, Belarus will organize the process in a way that no other country can, she assured.
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