Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Ukraine, Russia Talks End in Istanbul, Focus on Ceasefire, Prisoners
Ukraine and Russia are talking in Turkey to try to end their war.
They agreed to swap prisoners and have short breaks in fighting to help the injured.
Ukraine wants its leader, Zelensky, to meet with Russia's leader, Putin, to find a solution.
However, Putin is not yet ready to meet face-to-face.
Ukraine wants a ceasefire, the return of children, money for damages, and protection from other countries, while Russia wants Ukraine to give up land and limit its army.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Istanbul for peace talks.
Both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange of at least 1,200 each.
Russia proposed 24-48 hour ceasefires to collect wounded and bodies.
Ukraine seeks a meeting between Zelensky and Putin before August.
Putin has refused to meet Zelensky directly, citing the end of his term.
- Who
- Ukrainian and Russian delegations, led by Rustem Umerov (Ukraine) and Vladimir Medinsky (Russia).
- What
- Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia focusing on ceasefire, prisoners, and next steps.
- When
- Wednesday (July 23).
- Where
- Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- To negotiate a ceasefire and potentially end the conflict.
Ukraine
Russia
Ceasefire Terms
Ukraine
Wants an immediate ceasefire, return of children, reparations, and international security guarantees, with no restrictions on Ukraine’s military.
Russia
Wants Ukraine to withdraw from four regions, limit its military, grant more rights to Russian speakers, and remain neutral.
Leader Meeting
Ukraine
Ready for a leaders’ meeting.
Russia
Refuses to meet Zelensky directly.
- Meeting Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Participants
- Ukrainian and Russian delegations
- Prisoner Exchange Agreement
- 1,200 prisoners of war each
- Ceasefire Proposal
- 24 to 48-hour
- Ukraine's Proposal
- Meeting between Zelensky and Putin
- Russia's stance
- Putin is unwilling to meet Zelensky directly