Russia, Ukraine Agree To Swap Prisoners Of War Amid Peace Talks In Turkey

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to swap prisoners of war amid ongoing peace talks held in Istanbul, Turkey. Both sides consented to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners of war each. Additionally, Russia proposed returning the bodies of 3,000 deceased soldiers to Ukraine and suggested brief 24- to 48-hour ceasefires to allow the recovery of wounded and fallen soldiers.

Ukraine has proposed direct talks between their President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of August, with the potential involvement of US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Despite progress on the humanitarian front, such as prisoner exchanges, the two sides remain far apart on ceasefire terms and the possibility of a leaders’ summit.

Russia has emphasized limiting any summit to the signing of an agreement rather than broad discussions, while Ukraine stresses the necessity of a full and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for substantial peace negotiations. The talks have been marked by cautious optimism but also significant challenges to reaching a comprehensive ceasefire or peace deal after over three years of conflict.