Tue, 30 Dec, 2014 12:03:51 AM FTimes - STT Report, Dec. 30 ![]() File picture of President Sauli Niinistö and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) at the opening of a new power plant, Fortum Nyagan in Russia on 24 September 2013. Photo Lehtikuva. President Sauli Niinistö and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday held a telephone conversation.
The conversation initiated by President Niinistö in the afternoon revolved in particular around the Ukraine crisis and efforts to resolve it.
According to the President’s Office, Niinistö considers it important for the parties to continue with the Minsk process.
East Ukraine peace talks were recently held in Minsk, but the Christmas Eve talks were reported to have hit a deadlock.
Ukraine, Russia and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) took part in the talks.
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File Photo Lehtikuva. The Ukrainian authorities and separatists in Eastern Ukraine, however, reported to have swapped prisoners immediately after the Christmas holiday. The exchange of prisoners was part of a 12-point plan aimed at ending the Russian-minded uprising in Eastern Ukraine.
According to the United Nations, more than 1,300 people have died since the signing of truce in September. The fighting, however, is said to have significantly reduced during this month.
The conflict in Ukraine has claimed more than 4,700 lives so far.
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