Russia and Ukraine reached an historic accord to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, the largest exchange since hostilities started back in 2022. The agreement was reached during direct peace talks held in Istanbul between both nations for over three years – this will likely become official during subsequent direct meetings held later. For more details of this development watch Al Jazeera Live here
Rustem Umerov of Ukraine and Vladimir Medinsky of Russia led their respective delegations during negotiations that lasted less than two hours and did not result in a ceasefire agreement; however, both parties committed to an exchange of prisoners as well as offering detailed proposals for future discussions concerning potential ceasefire agreements. ABC News +6The Times +6 The Moscow Times.
+6 An exchange is expected in the near future; no exact date has yet been specified, although Ukraine intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov expressed hope that it would take place as early as next week.
Kyiv Post
While both sides may have agreed on the prisoner exchange deal, significant gaps remain between their demands for peace. Ukraine wants an immediate ceasefire and direct talks between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin while Russia maintains demands such as Ukraine withdrawing from certain territories that Kyiv finds unacceptable.
POLITICO *, Reuters +2, AP News +2 and The Guardian all gave Russia positive scores when reporting their positions.
International observers generally view the prisoner swap as an encouraging step, although concerns still exist regarding wider impasse in peace talks. Turkey hosted these talks and has offered to continue facilitating dialogue amongst parties involved.
As the conflict persists without an overall peace agreement in sight, prisoner exchange provides an important example of cooperation among warring nations – and could open up new diplomatic pathways for further progress.