“The President of Russia does not take part in these negotiations, in these contacts, the President of Russia uses his influence, his authority in order to facilitate the implementation of such an exchange,” RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

Peskov added that the exchange is between parties to the conflict, to which Russia has no relationship.

He also said that there were virtually no direct bilateral contacts between Kiev and representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics.

“Actually, if they were, then, probably, things would go much easier in this regard. Therefore, there is a tripartite commission there and so on. Just because there are no direct contacts, ”said Peskov.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed the exchange of prisoners between Kiev, Lugansk and Donetsk, held on December 29 in the Donbass.

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky expressed gratitude to the leaders of the “Norman Four” after the exchange of prisoners in the Donbass.

On December 9, a Norman-style summit was held in Paris with the participation of the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany. According to Zelensky, during the summit, questions were discussed about the exchange of prisoners according to the “all for all” formula.