Turkey calls for a fair, enduring peace between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, prisoner exchanges have become a significant aspect of the peace process, with Turkey playing a pivotal role in facilitating these negotiations.
Since May 2025, Turkey has organised and hosted three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul, working alongside other countries such as the UAE and Qatar. The latest exchange, which took place on August 14, saw both sides swap 84 prisoners each, including military personnel and civilians detained since as early as 2014.
The negotiations have expanded to include not only military prisoners of war but also civilian detainees, a development emphasised by Russian officials in recent talks. However, broader peace talks and ceasefire agreements remain stalled. Russia has demanded more progress in discussions before a high-level summit involving Presidents Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, and Turkish President Erdogan can take place, as proposed by Ukraine by the end of August 2025.
Large prisoner swaps are the most tangible outcome of these talks, but they have yet to produce a ceasefire or peace agreement. Russia has indicated a willingness to return bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers, and both sides have agreed to exchange up to 1,200 prisoners each. Released prisoners often require medical care and rehabilitation, underscoring the humanitarian dimension of these swaps.
Turkey continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, including Crimea, on all international platforms and at the highest level. The country advocates for profound changes in international structures to stop illegal occupations, a principle inspired by the founder of the Turkish Republic Ataturk's 'Peace at home, peace in the world'.
Turkey's ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to achieve a just and lasting peace that will end the destructive war between Russia and Ukraine for both peoples, the region, and the world. The country continues to provide support on all issues concerning the Crimean Tatars, an important link between Turkey and Ukraine.
As of mid-August 2025, Ukraine and Russia continue to actively negotiate and conduct prisoner exchanges facilitated in part by Turkey. The August 2025 exchange demonstrates ongoing willingness for humanitarian cooperation amid persistent conflict. However, broader peace talks and ceasefire agreements remain elusive. Turkey, with its highest level of sincerity, continues to do everything necessary to achieve peace.
- Despite the stalled broader peace talks and ceasefire agreements, Turkey has been instrumental in facilitating prisoner exchange negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, even organizing and hosting three rounds in Istanbul.
- In addition to military personnel, the negotiations have expanded to include civilian detainees, a development emphasized by Russian officials in recent talks.
- Russia has indicated a willingness to return bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers, and both sides have agreed to exchange up to 1,200 prisoners each, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of these swaps.
- Turkey, upholding its advocacy for Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, continues to support profound changes in international structures to prevent illegal occupations.
- As the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and Russia persist, Turkey remains dedicated to achieving a just and lasting peace, providing support on issues concerning the Crimean Tatars, a significant link between the two countries.
