Doha: Russia on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of making a swift breakthrough toward the settlement of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, describing the crisis as extremely complex and requiring careful handling. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it would be wrong to expect immediate solutions and breakthroughs in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, noting that work is ongoing.

According to Qatar News Agency, Peskov emphasized that the settlement issue is extremely complex and involves a multitude of intricate details. Important agreements were indeed reached in Istanbul, which will be implemented, and then the work will continue. Russia is awaiting a response to the memorandum of understanding that was handed over to the Ukrainian delegation.

Peskov noted the text of the published draft memorandum that Russia handed over yesterday to the Ukrainian side. It contains numerous provisions and multiple options aimed at eliminating the root causes of the conflict and moving forward toward a sustainable regulatory path.

Following the conclusion of the second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Monday, with a Turkish delegation in attendance, both sides agreed to continue the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of the remains of 12,000 soldiers. On May 15 and 16, Istanbul hosted the Russia-Ukraine first round of negotiations which culminated in reaching a deal to swap 1,000 prisoners by each party.