Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Russia, Ukraine Talks on POW Swaps Produce Little Progress
Russia and Ukraine met to talk about peace, but didn't agree on much.
They discussed swapping prisoners of war and returning children.
The meeting was short, and the two sides still disagree on stopping the fighting.
Ukraine wants a long break from the war, while Russia wants shorter breaks.
A U.S. leader wanted them to make a deal, but nothing changed in this meeting.
Russia and Ukraine held brief peace talks in Istanbul, focusing on prisoner exchanges.
The talks lasted 40 minutes, with no progress on a ceasefire or a leaders' meeting.
Negotiators discussed exchanging at least 1,200 POWs from each side and the return of Ukrainian children.
Russia proposed short ceasefires for body retrieval; Ukraine wants a longer immediate ceasefire.
U.S. President Trump set a deadline for a peace deal, but there was no sign of progress.
- Who
- Russian and Ukrainian delegates
- What
- Russia and Ukraine discussed prisoner swaps but made little progress on a ceasefire.
- When
- Wednesday, after a previous meeting on June 2.
- Where
- Istanbul
- Why
- To discuss peace terms, including prisoner exchanges and potential leaders' meeting, amid ongoing conflict.
Ukraine's Stance
Russia's Stance
Ceasefire Duration
Ukraine's Stance
Wants an immediate, long-term ceasefire.
Russia's Stance
Favors short ceasefires of 24-48 hours.
Children's Rights
Ukraine's Stance
Insists on releasing civilians, including children.
Russia's Stance
Claims it is offering protection to children and is returning them, if possible.
Leaders' Meeting
Ukraine's Stance
Proposed a meeting between Presidents Zelenskiy and Putin before August end.
Russia's Stance
Says a leaders' meeting should be for signing an agreement, not to discuss everything from scratch. Putin is reluctant to meet Zelenskiy.
- Meeting Duration
- 40 minutes
- POW Exchange
- Discussed exchange of at least 1,200 prisoners each
- Ceasefire Proposals
- Russia proposed short-term ceasefires, Ukraine wants immediate longer ceasefire
- Children
- Russia working through list of 339 names of abducted children.