Russia-Ukraine discussions finish
(MENAFN)
The first face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022 have concluded in Istanbul. The nearly two-hour session, held at the Dolmabahce Palace on Friday, marked a renewed effort to address the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The first face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022 have concluded in Istanbul. The nearly two-hour session, held at the Dolmabahce Palace on Friday, marked a renewed effort to address the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kiev’s delegation, stated that discussions centered on a potential ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner swap. He confirmed that both sides had agreed in principle to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. Umerov also mentioned that a possible meeting between President Vladimir Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin had been discussed, and further updates on future negotiations would be announced soon.
Russia’s lead negotiator, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, echoed the announcement of the planned prisoner exchange and acknowledged Ukraine’s request for a summit between the two presidents. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue talks.
Medinsky added that both sides would now prepare and exchange their respective proposals for a ceasefire. Although no specific timeline has been set for this exchange, both parties have agreed in principle to continue working on a path toward peace.
The talks were initially expected to start on Thursday, following President Putin’s renewed call to restart negotiations that were last held in Istanbul three years ago. The Russian delegation waited through the day for Ukraine’s team, which was only announced by Zelensky on Thursday evening.
Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine last took place in April 2022, but were abruptly halted after Kiev withdrew from negotiations. Moscow later accused Western powers, particularly then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, of encouraging Ukraine to abandon peace efforts and pursue a military solution. Russia also cited its troop withdrawal from around Kiev as a goodwill gesture that was not reciprocated, leading to diminished trust in Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy.
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