German Foreign Minister says four-way talks on Ukraine were difficult

MINSK (Reuters) - Four-way talks about the conflict in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday were difficult but meaningful and necessary, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters after a meeting with his counterparts from Ukraine, Russia and France.

He said the International Red Cross could help facilitate a significant exchange of prisoners before the end of the year, but said the parties were still far from a political agreement that would pave the way for local elections in the region.