Wafric News – May 16, 2025

Istanbul, Türkiye – Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each in what could become the largest prisoner swap since the full-scale conflict began in 2022. The breakthrough came during a rare face-to-face meeting between officials from both nations held in Istanbul, though no broader peace deal was reached.

The discussions, which lasted less than two hours at Dolmabahce Palace, marked the first direct talks in over three years. While both sides left without a ceasefire agreement, they confirmed progress on two fronts: prisoner release and the possibility of future leadership-level negotiations.

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov stated that Kyiv is pushing for a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that Ukraine’s immediate priorities remain the release of prisoners and a ceasefire to halt further loss of life.

“Prisoners come first. But we believe it’s time for the leaders to speak directly,” Umerov told reporters.

Russian aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led the Moscow delegation, echoed support for continued dialogue. He confirmed that both sides have agreed to exchange detailed ceasefire proposals and are open to a future summit between heads of state.

However, talks remain strained by major disagreements. According to a Ukrainian source quoted anonymously by Reuters, Russia has issued conditions that include Kyiv withdrawing from occupied regions—terms Ukraine dismisses as “non-starters.”

Despite these tensions, Medinsky characterized the talks as “productive” and reiterated Russia’s willingness to continue negotiations.

‘Two Roads Ahead’

The meeting was moderated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who urged both sides to consider the stakes.

“There are two paths ahead: one leading to peace, and another to more bloodshed,” Fidan said during the session, underscoring Türkiye’s role as a neutral host.

In a striking visual, the delegations sat facing each other—Russian representatives in formal suits, while several Ukrainian officials appeared in military fatigues, reflecting the wartime realities shaping their positions.

Reporting from Istanbul, analysts noted that while expectations were low, the prisoner swap signals that diplomatic channels remain open—even as both sides operate under significant external pressure. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly called for an end to the war, reportedly urged both nations to make concessions before the meeting.

Ukraine Calls for ‘Unconditional Ceasefire’

As the Istanbul talks took place, President Zelenskyy—speaking from a summit in Albania—reiterated Ukraine’s demand for a “full, unconditional and honest ceasefire.” He also called on Western allies to prepare additional sanctions on Russia’s energy and financial sectors if negotiations stall.

Russia, for its part, continues to frame the discussions as a continuation of earlier efforts from 2022. Moscow is still pushing for long-term neutrality from Ukraine and reductions to its military capabilities—positions Kyiv sees as unacceptable.

Though no date has been set for the proposed leadership summit, both delegations left Istanbul with tentative plans to meet again.

The road to peace remains uncertain. But for now, 2,000 families may soon see their loved ones return home—a rare, hopeful outcome in a war that has delivered few.


By WafricNews Desk.