Ukraine and Russia Still at Odds in Direct Talks, But Agree on Prisoner Exchange

More than three years into the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, a modest diplomatic step was made on Friday.

For the first time since March 2022—just a month after Russia launched a full-scale invasion—official delegations from Ukraine and Russia met face-to-face. The talks took place at a historic Ottoman-era palace along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.

Mediation efforts from both Turkey and the United States played a significant role in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table.

The atmosphere was tense—there were no handshakes exchanged, and several members of the Ukrainian delegation wore military uniforms, underlining the ongoing war in their homeland.

The meeting room was adorned with the flags of Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia, along with an elaborate floral centerpiece—offering a stark contrast to the scenes of devastation back in Ukraine.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed both parties, warning that the path ahead could lead either toward peace or further bloodshed.

Although the session lasted less than two hours, it quickly became apparent that major disagreements remained. A Ukrainian official said the Russian side made “new and unacceptable demands,” including requiring Ukraine to pull back its forces from territories it currently holds, in return for a ceasefire.

Despite the lack of progress on a potential truce—something widely anticipated—there was one clear outcome: a prisoner exchange.

Both countries agreed to release 1,000 prisoners of war each.

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Serhiy Kyslytsya, welcomed the development, calling it “a very good end to a very difficult day” and “potentially excellent news for 1,000 Ukrainian families.”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led the delegation, confirmed that the swap would take place soon. “We know the date,” he said, “but we’re not disclosing it just yet.”

Umerov also suggested that the next step should be a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian delegation expressed satisfaction with the outcome and signaled readiness for further engagement—marking a shift from the day before, when Russia’s Foreign Ministry insulted President Zelensky, calling him “a clown and a loser.”

However, skepticism remains among Ukrainian officials and some Western allies. They fear Moscow may be using these talks as a stalling tactic—to ease global pressure for a ceasefire and delay the European Union’s upcoming 18th round of sanctions, which are already being prepared.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, claiming that any meaningful negotiation must involve him and President Putin directly.

Speaking from Air Force One, he stated, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.”

No date has been set for such a meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that high-level discussions are necessary but said that organizing a summit will take time.

President Zelensky, however, is unlikely to be part of any such proposed talks.

Source: BBC

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