Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul: Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Conditions Discussed
In the third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by Turkey in Istanbul, the parties discussed ceasefire conditions and a prisoner exchange. These negotiations took place as part of international efforts to end the war that began in February 2022.
In the previous round of talks, the two sides reached the largest prisoner exchange agreement since the start of the war, which included the release of thousands of captives and the repatriation of soldiers’ remains. Russia committed to handing over the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv, while Ukraine agreed to release Russian prisoners.
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations presented their proposals for achieving a ceasefire and peace in this round of negotiations. Sources close to the talks noted that these plans have fundamental differences, making an agreement difficult to reach.
The Russian delegation, headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Vladimir Putin, and the Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, participated in the discussions. Representatives from both countries emphasized the need to continue negotiations in Istanbul.
The Kremlin predicted that these talks would be “challenging,” while Kyiv called for higher-level meetings involving global leaders. Ukraine proposed a summit with the participation of Putin, Zelensky, Erdoğan, Trump, and other European leaders.
The talks continue as military clashes on the frontlines have yet to cease.
