Heavy Prisoner Exchange Ahead After Talks in Istanbul: Here's What Went Down
International Negotiations in Istanbul Lead to a Significant Swap of Captives Between Ukraine and Russia - Russia and Ukraine reach consensus on another extensive exchange of prisoners in Istanbul
Get the lowdown on the latest round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in this digestible recap.
The Deets on the Prisoner Exchange
Ukraine and Russia are set to swap at least 1,000 prisoners in each country, potentially reaching a 1,200-for-1,200 exchange. The swap will prioritize the release of severely injured individuals and young people aged 18 to 25. Additionally, it might involve imprisoned journalists and political prisoners held in Russia.
Focus on Humanitarian Concerns
The exchange places a strong emphasis on addressing humanitarian concerns amid ongoing conflict, focusing on the release of severely injured prisoners and young people.
The Dance Around a Ceasefire
Talks on a ceasefire haven't resulted in a formal agreement yet. Ukraine has expressed a desire for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has not agreed to this proposal during recent negotiations.
Ukraine's Key Priorities
Ukraine's key demands include a ceasefire, another prisoner exchange, and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported by Russia.
An Agreement on Prisoners, Failure on Ceasefire
The latest round of talks in Istanbul concluded with an agreement on the prisoner exchange, but no advancement was made on a ceasefire. Both sides have been tasked with submitting their peace proposals, detailing roadmaps for achieving lasting peace.
Russia's Peace Terms
Russia's official peace demands include a ban on Ukraine's NATO membership and limits on Ukraine's military capabilities, focusing on "root causes" of the conflict.
Next Steps in the Negotiation Process
Both nations are expected to submit their peace proposals, outlining detailed roadmaps for achieving lasting peace.
Save the Date for a Potential Summit
Turkish President Erdoğan has proposed a summit meeting with Russian President Putin, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and US President Trump after the talks. The location was not specified, but Turkey expressed its eagerness for the meeting to take place in Istanbul or Ankara.
Coordinating their Positions
Before the talks, Ukrainian representatives held meetings with diplomats from Germany, Italy, and the UK in Istanbul to discuss their respective positions.
A Failed First Meeting, But Progress on Prisoners
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine held direct talks for the first time in more than three years on May 16. However, there was no progress towards a ceasefire during that meeting in Istanbul. They did, however, agree on a large prisoner exchange, which has since taken place.
Key Players
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Istanbul
- Negotiation Round
- Hakan Fidan
- Vladimir Medinsky
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Kyiv
- Chief
- Ceasefire
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Vladimir Putin
The European Union, along with its concern for the war-and-conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, which is currently in a serious crisis, has also shown interest in the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The prisoner exchange agreement, a focus on humanitarian concerns, and the potential summit meeting involving key players such as Russian President Putin, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and US President Trump, all fall under the general news category of politics.
