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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Russia-Ukraine war: Istanbul talks fail to go beyond prisoner swap, eyes on summit proposal
Under the deal, Russia and Ukraine would swap 250 prisoners of war each. Ukraine's former defence minister Rustem Umerov, who led the talks in Istanbul, said that the two sides have also agreed to 'exchange of at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side in the near future' read more Chief of the Turkish General Staff, Metin Gurak, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkey's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin attend a meeting at Ciragan Palace on the day of the third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 23, 2025. Reuters The Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul did not yield a breakthrough, except that both sides agreed to initiate another round of prisoner exchange. While the one-hour-long meeting was largely unsuccessful, Kyiv said that it has agreed to a prisoner swap with Moscow that is currently in process along the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. Under the deal, Russia and Ukraine would swap 250 prisoners of war each. Ukraine's former defence minister Rustem Umerov, who led the talks in Istanbul, said that the two sides have also agreed to 'exchange of at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side in the near future'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two earlier rounds of talks held in Istanbul, in May and June, led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the return of fallen soldiers' remains, but achieved little progress toward a lasting peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram that so far around 1,000 PoWs have returned home. 'Bringing all our people back is a priority for the state and we will continue all efforts to ensure that all our people return from captivity.' Why were the talks unsuccessful? The meeting between the two delegations in Istanbul came after US President Donald Trump gave an ultimatum to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to end the war in 50 days or face 'very severe tariffs.' Umerov said that while he had proposed an in-person summit between Zelenskyy and Putin, Russia rejected the bid, saying such a meeting would only be appropriate if the two sides sign an agreement, according to Reuters. The two sides also remained divided over the terms of any potential ceasefire, with Umerov stating that Ukraine was seeking a 'full and unconditional ceasefire as a necessary basis for effective diplomacy,' while Russia proposed a series of short ceasefires lasting between 24 and 48 hours along the front line to allow medical teams to retrieve dead and wounded soldiers. Trump deadline The two sides previously met in the Turkish city in May and June, but at those talks managed to agree only on other exchanges of prisoners and soldiers' bodies. Trump last week gave Russia 50 days to end the war or face sanctions, but the Kremlin has not indicated it is willing to compromise. 'No one expects an easy road. It will be very difficult,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about his expectations for the talks. Opening the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: 'Our aim is to end this bloody war, which has a very high cost, as soon as possible.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added: 'The ultimate goal is a ceasefire that will pave the way for peace.' With inputs from agencies
Euronews
2 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Ukraine proposes summit between Putin and Zelenskyy
Ukraine's delegation proposed holding a "summit of leaders" by the end of August in the third round of peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Wednesday, according to the head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov. "We proposed to the Russian side that such a meeting at the leaders' level be held by the end of August. If Russia accepts this proposal, it will clearly show the whole world, including our partners, that it has a constructive approach," Umerov said. Umerov reiterated that Ukraine was ready for an unconditional ceasefire, which he described as a necessary basis for substantive peace negotiations. "It is up to the other side to take steps in this direction. We have emphasised that the ceasefire must be real, it must include a complete cessation of all attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure." He also said the Ukrainian delegation would prioritise the "humanitarian agenda" of prisoner swaps, particularly children. Two previous rounds of peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv have resulted in large-scale prisoner swaps, but no concrete steps to end Russia's ongoing, full-scale invasion of Ukraine after more than three years of war. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy had previously challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin in May to meet face-to-face for negotiations, though Putin spurred the offer. US President Donald Trump previously hinted he might go to Istanbul for a high-level meeting between leaders, saying "If I don't go, Putin won't come." Wednesday's Russian delegation was headed by Vladimir Medinski, counsellor to Putin. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired the third round of negotiations and Ibrahim Kalin, the head of the National Intelligence Organisation, also took part in the meeting. Zelenskyy had initially announced on Monday that the talks, hosted by Turkey, would be held. Seeking common ground for peace and ceasefire conditions Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that the meeting in Istanbul would discuss draft memorandums of understanding between the two countries on peace terms, a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. "These are opposite to each other. Therefore, great diplomatic work will be done," he said. Russia has published its memorandum detailing its conditions for an end to the conflict since the last round of peace talks. This includes Kyiv's 'complete withdrawal of forces' from four regions of Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson – which Moscow claims as its own 'new territories'. Russia also demands international recognition of the territories it has illegally occupied since 2014, including the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian conditions for peace include a ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations. They also want the reciprocal exchange of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia and the release of all civilians from Russian captivity. Ukrainian and Russian officials first sat down to negotiate an end to the war on February 28, 2022, four days after Moscow launched it's full-scale invasion. The delegation met on Ukraine's border with key Russian ally Belarus following a telephone conversation between Zelenskyy and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
New round of Ukraine, Russia peace talks planned
'Today, I discussed with Rustem Umerov the preparations for the exchange and another meeting in Turkey with the Russian side. Umerov reported that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,' Zelensky said during his daily address Monday, referring to the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. But TASS, the Russian state-run news agency, reported Monday that the next round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will be Thursday, citing a source. 'The meeting is scheduled for July 24. The delegations may arrive in Istanbul on July 23,' the news agency quoted the source as saying. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov played down expectations for the meeting, saying Russia does not expect to achieve a 'miraculous breakthrough.' He said during a Tuesday press briefing that Russia intends to 'pursue our interests, we intend to ensure our interests and fulfil the tasks that we set for ourselves from the very beginning.' The nations have held two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul so far — on May 16 and June 2 — and the discussions have led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners, but there has been little to no progress on a potential ceasefire agreement. Since the last round of talks, which took place nearly two months ago, Russia issued a memo outlining conditions for reaching a ceasefire, including: Having Ukraine's military disarm and agree to Russia's annexation of four regions in Ukraine that were overtaken since Moscow launched its invasion more than three years ago, regions the Russian military has struggled to maintain. The upcoming talks also come as President Trump has pressed for forging peace in the region and has in recent weeks been increasingly critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying in a recent interview with the BBC that he is 'disappointed' with the Kremlin's leader, but not 'done with him.'
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Zelenskiyy says Ukraine, Russia to hold peace talks in Turkey on Wednesday
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia - the first in seven weeks - are planned for Wednesday in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying on Monday. Zelenskiyy appealed earlier in the day for greater momentum in negotiations. Russia's state TASS news agency quoted a source in Turkiye as saying the talks would take place on Wednesday. The RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were 'diametrically opposed' in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiyy said in his nightly video address that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, on Monday in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkiye. 'Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow,' Zelenskiyy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed U.S. calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. Zelenskiyy said: 'The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting.' Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiyy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiyy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired last year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far.' No ceasefire breakthrough Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Ukraine 'shouldn't target' Moscow: Trump Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and countries that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiyy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its 'maximalist' demands. 'Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission,' he told a news conference. 'And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiyy has repeatedly called for.' Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Ukraine and Russia poised to hold peace talks
The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far." Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three-and-a-half years of war. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far." Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three-and-a-half years of war. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far." Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three-and-a-half years of war. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far." Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three-and-a-half years of war. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire.
