Istanbul talks secure prisoner swap but no ceasefire

Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange in Istanbul on 16 May 2025, their first direct talks in more than three years. Russia’s negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said the parties would set out their positions on a future ceasefire and continue discussions.

The wider settlement remains blocked

The talks ended without a ceasefire. Ukraine sought a meeting between the presidents, but Putin and Zelensky did not attend these negotiations. Agreement on prisoners provided a limited humanitarian result while leaving substantial differences over ending the war unresolved.