Update: Prisoner Exchange Agreed Upon in Istanbul Talks - Russia Offers Peace Plan
arrangement reached for prisoner swap - Moscow delivered peace proposal
After an hour of discussions, the second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia ended without a clear plan for a ceasefire. Both sides, however, did agree to exchange prisoners of war, particularly young soldiers and those wounded or ill.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinski reported the proceedings. Russia proposed a short-term ceasefire in certain sectors to retrieve the remains of soldiers. The Ukrainian side is currently examining the peace plan presented by Russia, Medinski stated, adding that it is a detailed plan outlining their vision for a lasting peace and various steps towards a full ceasefire.
Ukraine highlighted the issue of abductions during the talks. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized the necessity of a complete report concerning the negotiations. He spoke of a potential third round of discussions by the end of June. Kyiv is determined to see talks continue, as they are crucial to advancing the negotiation process.
The current prisoner exchange would involve all prisoners aged 18 to 25 as well as severely injured or ill prisoners. Further, the bodies of approximately 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers will be handed over for 6,000 Russian soldiers. The return of abducted children is also a point of focus. There are reports of a list containing the names of 339 children, which Russia is reportedly checking.
Some tensions arose earlier due to allegations of the forced abduction of over 19,500 Ukrainian minors from occupied territories, with fewer than 1,000 returnees resulting from international mediation. A handful of children, identified by Ukraine as abductees, were found in Germany among their legal guardians.
The first round of talks held in Istanbul on May 16 resulted in the largest prisoner exchange of the war, with each side releasing 1,000 prisoners. Despite this, substantial progress was not made on a ceasefire, with both sides presenting only their opening positions for negotiations. Planned future talks aim to facilitate a leaders' summit and may lead to a broader peace agreement.
Sources: ntv.de, lar/jwu/dpa/rts
Keywords: Istanbul, Diplomacy, Ukraine Conflict, Prisoner Exchange, Ceasefire Proposals
Insight:
- The latest agreement on a prisoner exchange involves an extensive exchange of wounded, ill, and young soldiers, as well as the return of the remains of approximately 6,000 soldiers from each side.
- Russia has presented a detailed peace plan for achieving a lasting peace and a comprehensive ceasefire. Ukraine is reviewing this plan, and further talks are planned to advance the negotiation process.
- Tensions remain over the return of abducted children, with Russia maintaining a list of 339 children that is now being checked.
- The first round of talks in Istanbul resulted in the largest prisoner exchange of the war and helped pave the way for further discussions. However, a significant breakthrough towards ending the conflict has not yet been achieved, as both sides maintain their positions on key issues.
The community is closely following discussions regarding the prisoner exchange agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with a focus on the reinstatement of employment for the released soldiers and the implementation of the employment policy to aid them in their transition. Meanwhile, the general public is attentive to the political implications of war-and-conflicts, particularly in the context of the current Ukraine conflict, and the development of the peace plan presented by Russia. News outlets are also reporting on the politics surrounding the return of abducted children, a critical issue in the overall negotiations, with hundreds of children on a list awaiting verification.
