Istanbul Talks: Ukraine and Russia Navigate Stalemate While Seeking Prisoner Exchange
Negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul concluded without an agreement on a ceasefire, yet both parties agreed to expand prisoner exchanges. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the two sides had consented to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, with the potential to arrange an additional 200. He indicated that an agreement had also been reached to return the remains of service personnel, though he noted that this would require meticulous preparation.
Zelenskyy, who did not participate in the discussions, made comments during a visit to Lithuania, emphasizing the necessity for stronger sanctions against Russia if it continues to refuse a ceasefire. He revealed that his negotiators presented a list of nearly 400 abducted Ukrainian children that Kyiv wants returned, but the Russian delegation only agreed to work on the return of 10 of those children.
Ukrainian officials stressed the importance of prioritizing the exchange of wounded and sick prisoners, as well as young soldiers aged 18 to 25. Russian officials responded affirmatively, confirming that all sick and wounded prisoners would indeed be included in the swap, with a guarantee for at least 1,000 PoWs to be exchanged.
The negotiations took place at the Çırağan Palace, a grand 19th-century Ottoman building now serving as a luxury hotel. The meeting lasted less than two hours, with each delegation, consisting of roughly a dozen representatives, sitting approximately 10 meters apart. The Russians were dressed in dark suits while the Ukrainians predominantly wore military uniforms.
Ukrainian head negotiator and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov proclaimed that the return of abducted children is a fundamental priority for Ukraine. He indicated that if Russia is genuinely committed to a peace process, returning at least half of the children listed would be a positive development. Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky acknowledged receipt of a list of 339 names that Ukraine wishes to see returned, but he did not elaborate further.
During the talks, the Russians dismissed Kyiv's call for an unconditional month-long ceasefire, instead providing a written proposal which Ukraine stated would require additional time for consideration. The Ukrainian side suggested reconvening towards the end of June. According to Russian state news agency RIA, the proposed ceasefire options include one contingent upon Ukraine's complete troop withdrawal from four regions currently occupied by Russia, while details of the second option were left unspecified.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his intent to facilitate a summit between Zelenskyy and Putin, stating, "My desire is to bring Putin and Zelenskyy together in Istanbul or Ankara, also to invite Trump to this meeting." Erdoğan emphasized that steps would be taken following the recent discussions to arrange such a meeting.
Zelenskyy has consistently expressed readiness to meet with Putin and reiterated this during Umerov's statements about the summit. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated, "If Putin says he is ready to meet tomorrow, our president Zelenskyy is ready to meet him tomorrow."
Last month, Zelenskyy challenged Putin for a summit in Ankara, however, the Russian leader did not respond and sent mid-level officials instead. After the Istanbul negotiations, Medinsky indicated that the memorandum provided to the Ukrainian delegation included proposed steps towards a full ceasefire. He noted that Moscow had suggested short ceasefires lasting two to three days at certain parts of the front to allow commanders to recover fallen soldiers' bodies, although he did not specify where these local truces should occur.
In the lead-up to the talks, both sides had intensified military operations. Ukraine carried out a coordinated drone strike on Russian bomber aircraft at four military airfields as far east as Siberia. This operation, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, was reported to have been 18 months in the planning, resulting in the damage or destruction of 41 planes, including the Tu-160 and Tu-22 bombers utilized for launching missiles against Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence assessed the total loss in Russian material at $7 billion to $52 billion.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal characterized the assault as a very precise military operation, asserting that until Russia concedes to a ceasefire and halts attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Ukraine will continue to explore innovative means to disrupt Russia's military capabilities. Highlighting the crucial role of advanced technologies in success on the battlefield, Shmyhal expressed confidence that Ukraine possesses numerous other strategies and technologies to progress in tactical situations.
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