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Ukraine-Russia Talks in Istanbul Yield Prisoner Exchange but No Ceasefire

The first direct negotiations since 2022 concluded with a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap agreement, but deep divisions remain over territorial and security demands.

AFP - Pourparlers Ukraine-Russie
Image
Le véhicule «se dirigeait vers Soumy», a précisé l’administration militaire de la région frontalière.
Vadym Tsybenko, 22 ans, à côté de sa maison gravement endommagée par une frappe de drone russe, à l’extérieur de Kyiv, le 18 mai 2025.

Overview

  • Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks in over three years on May 16, 2025, in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
  • The negotiations resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side, marking a rare point of cooperation in the ongoing conflict.
  • Ukraine's demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire was not met, as Russia insisted on preconditions, including territorial concessions and NATO renunciation.
  • Both delegations lacked top leadership, with neither President Zelensky nor President Putin attending, limiting the potential for substantive progress.
  • The Kremlin stated that any future meeting between Zelensky and Putin would require prior agreements, while further talks hinge on the successful execution of the prisoner exchange.