Kyiv Sets Conditions for Peace Talks in Istanbul: Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
Friday, 16 May 2025 () Ukraine is ready to consider a peace process if Russia agrees to key humanitarian steps, including a ceasefire and a comprehensive prisoner swap, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Friday. Speaking as head of the Ukrainian delegation at the Istanbul talks, Umerov outlined the prerequisites for progress. "Peace is only possible if Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire, the return of abducted children, and an all-for-all prisoner exchange," Umerov was quoted as saying. Umerov also confirmed Ukraine's readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as well as direct negotiations at the highest level — a reference to potential talks between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in over three years on Friday in Turkey, marking a rare diplomatic engagement since the war began. Though the meeting lasted under two hours and yielded no major breakthroughs, both sides agreed to a significant 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap....
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Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:10Published