Russia and Ukraine conclude talks in Istanbul, with plans for a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange and uncertainty over future negotiations.
May 16, 2025
The discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations have concluded as of Friday, though it remains uncertain whether the talks will continue, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to RIA Novosti.
“As of today, the negotiations have been finalized. The situation with the continuation is not clear yet,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who also heads the country’s delegation in talks with Russia, stated on Friday that he would soon reveal the agenda for the next round of negotiations.
“We will inform you soon,” Umerov told reporters regarding the agenda of the next round of negotiations, without providing details about the date and the location of the negotiations.
During the Istanbul talks, Moscow and Kiev addressed issues related to a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange, with Umerov noting that the parties specifically discussed a possible swap involving 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who leads the Russian delegation in the talks, announced that Russia and Ukraine are preparing for a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side.
“In the coming days, there will be a large-scale prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 people,” Medinsky confirmed to reporters.
The Russian delegation expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of the discussions with Ukraine, as stated on Friday by Vladimir Medinsky, the Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation to the talks.
Sebastian Gorka, former deputy assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump and his top counterterrorism advisor, suggested on Thursday in an interview with Politico that a final agreement to end the Ukraine war could be nearing completion, with expectations that both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend the signing ceremony for the deal.
“At the end of the day, the final settlement will see my boss, President Trump, in the room sealing the deal,” Gorka said. “When the time is right, that’s when the president is in the room with Putin, but my expectation is imminently.”
Russia, Ukraine, hold varying stances on ceasefire agreement
Russia has its independent position on any ceasefire proposal and will evaluate the 30-day truce based on its strategic interests. Peskov affirmed that Russia is accustomed to tensions with Europe and remains resilient in the face of political and economic pressure, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on May 10.
“We are open for dialogue, we are open for attempts to have a settlement in Ukraine. We do appreciate efforts on mediation,” he said, signaling that Moscow was willing to consider diplomatic avenues but would not be swayed by ultimatums.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced May 10 that Ukraine, along with a coalition of allied nations, is prepared to implement a 30-day, full and unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, pending Russia’s agreement and the presence of credible international monitoring mechanisms.
“Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting already on Monday. If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations,” Sybiha posted on X.
The announcement followed a high-level summit in Kiev attended by key European leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
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