Istanbul: Russia and Ukraine have agreed to swap 200 prisoners in one of the biggest exchanges of the seven-month war, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan made the announcement last week on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Erdogan did not provide full details about the swap, including the people being exchanged as "hostages" and declined to say how many were on each side.

"On agreement between the parties, two hundred hostages shall be exchanged." "I believe an important step will be taken," Erdogan told PBS late Monday.

NATO member Turkey has attempted to remain neutral in the conflict by supplying fighter drones to Kyiv while avoiding Western-led sanctions against Moscow.

Erdogan said he had "the impression" that Putin wanted to end the war.
"We had a very extensive discussion," Erdogan said, "and he's really showing me that he's ready to end it as quickly as possible."
"That was my impression because the current situation is quite problematic."

Erdogan said the return of Russian occupied lands would be an important component of any long-term ceasefire.
"Of course, returning the invaded territory will become important in order to establish peace in Ukraine," he said.

Asked whether Putin should be held responsible for the attack on Ukraine, Erdogan said there was no point in choosing sides.
"We will not defend a single leader." Instead, we should seek a solution that satisfies all parties involved."

Erdogan has repeatedly tried to invite Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks in Turkey.

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