Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the progress of the talks between Moscow and Kiev. According to the Kremlin press service, the parties discussed this topic on Tuesday during a telephone conversation between the two leaders.
"Vladimir Putin also briefed Russian and Ukrainian representatives on the state of the negotiations," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Putin also discussed with Erdogan Russia's efforts to ensure the safety of civilians in Ukraine. "The situation in Ukraine was discussed in detail in the context of a special military operation to protect Donbass and ongoing efforts by the Russian side to ensure the safety of civilians, including the organization of humanitarian corridors," the statement said.
The presidents of Russia and Turkey discussed the situation with the remaining Ukrainian formations at Azovstal. "In connection with the question raised by Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the situation in Mariupol, the Russian president noted that this city has been liberated and no combat operations are taking place there," the Kremlin stressed.
"As for the Ukrainian servicemen and fighters of nationalist battalions blocked at the Azovstal plant, the Kiev authorities should take political responsibility and, guided by humane considerations, give them an order to lay down arms," the statement added. The Kremlin noted that prisoners of war are guaranteed life, medical care and treatment in accordance with international legal norms.
Cooperation between Russia and Turkey
Putin and Erdogan positively assessed the development of cooperation between Russia and Turkey. "The issues of the development of bilateral relations, including in the sphere of air travel and tourism, were considered. Special satisfaction was expressed over the growth of trade and economic cooperation," the statement said.
The Kremlin added that the leaders also agreed to continue regular dialogue.
The presidents also agreed to coordinate to ensure the safety of navigation. "The leaders agreed to continue coordination through the defense departments of the two countries to ensure the safe exit of Turkish ships from ports on the Black Sea through the maritime humanitarian corridor organized by the Russian side," the statement said.
In mid-April, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey said that Ankara is negotiating with Moscow and Kiev about its ships, blocked off the Ukrainian coast of the Black Sea. Later, the republic's foreign minister reported that some Turkish cargo ships remain blocked in the Sea of Azov due to the situation with drifting mines.
On March 19, the Center for Public Relations of the Russian Federal Security Service reported that mines planted by the Ukrainian Navy on approaches to ports in the Black Sea could drift toward the Bosphorus due to broken cables.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS