Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Russia, Ukraine Discuss Prisoner Swaps, Differ on Ceasefire Terms
Imagine two kids, Russia and Ukraine, are having a fight.
Grown-ups from both sides met to try and stop it.
They agreed to let some prisoners go home.
Ukraine wants everyone to stop fighting completely, but Russia wants short breaks.
They also talked about the presidents of both countries meeting up, but it's not happening just yet.
It's like trying to make friends after a big argument, and it's taking time to agree on how to do it.
Russia and Ukraine held a third round of peace talks in Istanbul.
The two sides agreed on another prisoner exchange.
Ukraine insists on a full and unconditional ceasefire.
Russia proposed short ceasefires for evacuations and body recovery.
A meeting between Putin and Zelensky is not being considered yet.
- Who
- Delegations from Russia and Ukraine, led by Vladimir Medinsky and Rustem Umerov, respectively.
- What
- Third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- When
- The talks took place on Wednesday evening.
- Where
- The talks were held in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- To negotiate a ceasefire and resolve the conflict.
Ukraine's Stance
Russia's Stance
Ceasefire Conditions
Ukraine's Stance
Full and unconditional ceasefire as a foundation for diplomacy.
Russia's Stance
Short ceasefires along the contact line.
Negotiation Focus
Ukraine's Stance
Full cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure.
Russia's Stance
Proposals to address political, humanitarian, and military issues.
- Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Meeting Chair
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
- Prisoner Exchange Agreed
- 1,200 prisoners each side
- Exchange Details
- More than 1,000 Ukrainians involved
- Russian Proposal
- Exchange of 30 civilians in Kursk region