Overview

• The Kremlin confirmed that no new direct talks between Russia and Ukraine are planned after their first meeting since 2022 yielded limited progress.
• A 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is the only tangible outcome from the Istanbul talks, with preparations for the swap ongoing.
• Russian strikes in Ukraine's Donetsk region killed two civilians on May 22, while drone attacks and shelling persist on both sides.
• President Trump’s announcement of immediate ceasefire negotiations after his call with Putin has not materialized, with Russia proposing a vague peace memorandum instead.
• Ukraine accuses Russia of bad faith, alleging continued military aggression despite rhetoric suggesting openness to diplomacy.