Under Pressure from Trump, Russia and Ukraine Hold Peace Talks in Istanbul. Agreement Reached on Prisoner Exchange, but No Progress on Ceasefire or Peace Agreement.
Russian-Ukrainian Meeting: For the first time in over three years, Russian and Ukrainian delegates met face-to-face in Istanbul, Turkey. This meeting occurred under pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who has intensified efforts to end Europe's deadliest conflict.
Stalemate on Ceasefire in Talks
This first direct peace talk between Russia and Ukraine lasted approximately two hours. An agreement was reached on a prisoner swap—a 1,000-for-1,000 exchange of war prisoners—but no concrete agreement could be reached on a ceasefire.
Both sides considered this swap agreement a positive step, but significant obstacles to peace remain.
Negotiations Under US Pressure
These talks took place under pressure from the Trump administration and in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio stated that a major breakthrough is unlikely until the level of negotiators is raised.
A Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that if Russia genuinely desires serious negotiations, it must first establish weapons silence.
Meeting Mediated by Turkey
The meeting was held in Turkey's opulent Dolmabahce Palace. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, "It is time to choose the path of peace or further destruction."
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not participate in the meeting himself. He sent a team of mid-level officials, prompting Ukraine to send representatives of a similar rank.
Demands and Disagreements Between the Two Countries
Russia's main demand is that Ukraine abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and accept the status of a 'Neutral Country.' However, Ukraine views this as surrender and demands future security guarantees under US leadership.
Ukraine claims that Russia has deployed approximately 640,000 troops in Ukraine and that the war has devolved into a war of attrition.
War Continues During Talks; Explosions in Dnipro
Reports of explosions emerged from the city of Dnipro in Ukraine during the talks. Russia claimed to have captured another village. This clearly indicates that both on-the-ground conflict and negotiations are proceeding simultaneously.
