Ukraine and Russia Ink Prisoner Exchange Deal in Istanbul Talks
Russia and Ukraine reach accord on POW exchange following conclusion of Istanbul negotiations
The second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia concluded in Istanbul, with both nations concurring on a new POW exchange for under-25 and seriously ill soldiers. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the agreement, stating that details will be announced soon, as Suspline reports.
Ukraine also released a list of Ukrainian children who were illegally deported by Russia, which has allegedly forced or transferred hundreds of children from occupied territories. Ukraine is waiting for Russia's response concerning the deported children, says the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak.
During the previous round of negotiations on May 16, the largest prisoner exchange in a century took place; however, it did not significantly advance the goal of ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This time, Ukraine prioritized a 30-day ceasefire, another prisoner exchange, and the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children.
Russia has yet to disclose its demands in the talks, only emphasizing the "root causes" of its war against Ukraine. The Kremlin has used this term frequently since 2022 as a justification for its invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine and Moscow reportedly agreed to present their respective "peace memorandums" before the meeting, outlining each side's key positions for achieving peace. The Ukrainian delegation submitted a detailed roadmap aimed at securing lasting peace, though Moscow has not announced its demands until the negotiations restart.
US President Donald Trump voiced concerns about Russia's reluctance to approach a ceasefire and intensifying attacks on Ukraine. Despite expressing frustration, Trump has so far resisted imposing additional sanctions on Russia.
In a recent joint summit with the Bucharest Nine and Nordic leaders in Vilnius, President Zelenskyy urged the West to implement decisive action if the Istanbul talks fail to result in progress. He suggested strong new sanctions, targeting Russian energy, oil, and tankers, as well as Russian banks and the financial sector.
Keywords
- Prisoner exchange
- Russia invasion of Ukraine
- Ceasefire
- Deported children
- Peace talks in Istanbul
- Ukraine-Russia conflict
Related Topics
- Zelenskyy expresses doubt about peace talks as Russian strikes continue
- Ukraine and Russia set for Istanbul talks second round on Monday
- Turkey prepares to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul amid Trump’s warnings to Putin
[1] Enrichment Data: "Ukraine-Russia prisoner exchange agreement finalized in early June 2025 involves the exchange of young soldiers (18-25 years old), severely ill or injured soldiers, and the return of approximately 6,000 deceased soldiers’ bodies." (Source: Enrichment Data)][2] Enrichment Data: "The agreement also entails the exchange of all-for-all of young soldiers between 18 and 25, severely ill or injured soldiers, and the return of bodies of approximately 6,000 deceased soldiers, aiming to stabilize the humanitarian situation arising from the conflict." (Source: Enrichment Data)]
The prisoner exchange agreement, finalized in early June 2025, will involve the exchange of young soldiers (18-25 years old), severely ill or injured soldiers, and the return of approximately 6,000 deceased soldiers’ bodies. Additionally, discussions regarding the deported children remain a contentious point in the ongoing politics of the Ukrainian-Russia conflict, with Ukraine awaiting Russia's response concerning the issue.
