In a significant development toward easing tensions, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators announced an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war (POWs) each during peace talks held in Istanbul on Friday. The breakthrough came after days of diplomatic efforts mediated by Turkish officials, marking the first direct engagement between the two sides in months.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the deal during a televised address, stating that the talks demonstrated “constructive progress.” Kremlin aide and lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky echoed the sentiment, telling reporters: “We are satisfied with the results and ready to continue contacts.” He emphasized Russia’s openness to future discussions, including potential high-level dialogues aimed at negotiating a ceasefire.
While Medinsky acknowledged Ukraine’s request for direct talks between national leaders, Kyiv indicated no immediate plans for further rounds of negotiation. “If [Russia] receives other instructions from Moscow, something could happen today,” a senior Ukrainian official told AFP, clarifying that no additional meetings were scheduled as of Friday evening.
The Istanbul talks have drawn global attention as a tentative step toward stabilizing a conflict with far-reaching humanitarian and economic ramifications. Analysts suggest the POW exchange signals mutual willingness to rebuild trust, though challenges remain in resolving broader geopolitical disputes.
As both sides weigh next steps, international observers are cautiously optimistic that sustained dialogue could open pathways to de-escalation in the months ahead.
