Russia and Ukraine agree to largest prisoner exchange since start of war in 2022

ISTANBUL — Negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul, Turkey.  

Head of Russian delegation and senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Medinsky, announced a major agreement in which the two sides agreed to the largest prisoner exchange since the war began in February 2022, with each side set to return 1000 prisoners of war. 

Medinsky stated that Russia and Ukraine also exchanged detailed proposals for a ceasefire and confirmed Ukraine’s request for a meeting between the two countries’ leaders, which Russia will consider. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to continue dialogue. 

Ukraine, however, accused Russia of introducing new “unacceptable” demands, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from vast territory, as reported by the Associated Press citing an unnamed Ukrainian official.  

The Ukrainian side reiterated its focus on achieving tangible progress: an immediate ceasefire and paving the way for a substantive diplomatic resolution. 

The talks, mediated by Turkey, concluded on Friday after less than 2 hours, marking the first direct peace negotiations since the early weeks of Russia’s invasion. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a senior Ukrainian official confirmed the discussions’ brevity but did not elaborate on specific outcomes beyond the prisoner exchange agreement.