In their first direct talks in over three years, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a major prisoner exchange—1,000 POWs each—but failed to reach a ceasefire deal. Held in Istanbul, the 90-minute meeting touched on future ceasefire proposals and a possible Zelensky-Putin summit, though no end to the conflict was secured. Ukraine pushed for an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia made territorial demands Kyiv called unacceptable. Both sides agreed to continue discussions, with Turkey mediating and Western powers closely observing the fragile diplomatic progress.
