Russia rejects unconditional ceasefire

Two sides to swap bodies of soldiers killed in action; Kyiv seeks another meeting

- REUTERS

Russia and Ukraine wrapped up a second round of talks in Istanbul that failed to bring the two sides closer to ending the war, but laid the groundwork for a new exchange of prisoners.

Kyiv demanded an unconditional truce, said Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, the country's chief negotiator. Russia in turn proposed a ceasefire for two to three days along certain parts of the front to allow the evacuation of war dead, the head of the Russian delegation, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, said.

Moscow also passed along a two-part memorandum, on the terms for peace and for a ceasefire, he said. The two ex-Soviet neighbours agreed to prepare for a new exchange of all heavily wounded POWs as well as young soldiers under 25 years of age. Ukraine also suggested another meeting later this month.