Russia and Ukraine have agreed to each swap 1,000 prisoners. The decision was reached during peace talks that lasted less than two hours.
A senior Ukrainian official claimed Russia made “unacceptable demands” to withdraw Ukrainian soldiers from key areas, the Associated Press reported. The official noted that Ukraine’s priorities included an immediate ceasefire and a pathway to diplomacy, which is “just like the U.S., European partners, and other countries proposed.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the peace talks by urging the parties involved “to take advantage of this opportunity,” emphasizing that it was “critically important that the ceasefire happens as soon as possible.”
The U.S. State Department released a statement on the meeting. “Secretary Rubio met with Ukrainian Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan today in Istanbul, Türkiye,” the statement read. “The three delegations discussed the importance of seeking a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Secretary noted today’s direct talks between Russia and Ukraine while reiterating the U.S. position that the killing needs to stop.”
“Secretary Rubio also thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for hosting these important discussions,” it said.
“Today was an important day for world peace,” Fidan said on X. As a result of intense diplomatic efforts, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a meeting in Istanbul, facilitated by Türkiye. As a result of the meeting, they agreed to exchange one thousand people from each country as a confidence-building measure.”
Fiden noted that Russia and Ukraine also agreed to share ceasefire demands in writing.
“As Türkiye, we will continue to make every effort to make it possible to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
