Russia and Ukraine reach understanding in Istanbul: agreement on prisoner exchange and ceasefire proposals
After three years of suspended dialogue, Russia and Ukraine have returned to the negotiating table at Istanbul’s symbolic Dolmabahçe Palace, the same venue where they last met in 2022. Mediated by Turkey and attended by international observers, the talks concluded with a tangible result: both parties agreed to a simultaneous exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each and committed to presenting detailed proposals for a potential ceasefire in upcoming rounds.
“We are satisfied with the outcome and ready to continue talks,” said Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky at a press conference. The negotiations, which began at 1:39 p.m. local time and lasted nearly two hours, represent the first serious attempt at bilateral dialogue since the collapse of talks in March 2022.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, leading Kyiv’s delegation, confirmed the agreement on what will be the largest prisoner swap since the beginning of the conflict: 1,000 for 1,000. “The date has been set, but it will not be disclosed for security reasons,” Umerov said. The previous record had been 246 prisoners exchanged per side.
Both delegations agreed to submit written proposals outlining their respective visions for a possible ceasefire to be discussed at future meetings. Medinsky emphasized that each side will “spell out the details” of its plan. Kyiv has requested an immediate 30-day truce, while Moscow, though not ruling out a ceasefire, stressed the need for clarity on enforcement and monitoring mechanisms. The Kremlin also expressed doubts about the Ukrainian military’s ability to consistently follow orders from its chain of command.
The atmosphere leading up to the talks was tense. The Russian delegation had been prepared since May 15 but had to wait for the Ukrainian representatives, who arrived a day late after President Zelensky met with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara. In the meantime, trilateral discussions took place between Turkey, the U.S., and Ukraine, involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Keith Kellogg.
Turkey, the host of the meeting, played a central role. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the day as “important for world peace” and confirmed that the parties had “agreed in principle to meet again.” The United States and other European players—including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland—were briefed on the developments. Zelensky was reported to have held a phone conversation with Donald Trump, while British adviser Jonathan Powell was appointed to advise the Ukrainian delegation.
Medinsky pointed out that the current talks are, in essence, a continuation of those held in Gomel and Istanbul in 2022. “It was important to remind everyone what we had agreed on back then, and what might have been possible if Ukraine had accepted peace,” he said, referencing a leaked draft agreement. That document, published last year, included Ukrainian neutrality, a ban on NATO bases, and recognition of Russian as an official language. According to Moscow, the deal was derailed by then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who urged Kyiv to reject the terms in exchange for military and financial support.
The Istanbul outcome is not yet a breakthrough, but it marks a return to direct dialogue and a first concrete step toward de-escalation. Both delegations are expected to remain in Turkey for further consultations. Attention now turns to the ceasefire proposals each side will submit. The world watches on—with cautious optimism.
