On a recent Friday, Russia and Ukraine initiated a major prisoner swap, marking their first direct negotiations in over three years, according to a Ukrainian military source. Despite President Donald Trump claiming that the exchange had been completed, both Kyiv and Moscow did not confirm this, stating that the swap was still underway. The discussions in Istanbul last week led to an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners, but failed to secure a ceasefire proposed by Trump. Previous exchanges had involved mediation by the United Arab Emirates.
The prisoner swap was highlighted as the only tangible outcome of the talks in Istanbul. Trump expressed optimism on social media about potential peace, suggesting that negotiations could lead to significant developments. The ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, is recognized as Europe’s deadliest battle since World War II, but neither side has released accurate casualty figures.
While Ukraine has expressed readiness for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, Russia, which has occupied about 20% of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, insists that it will only cease attacks under specific conditions, which Ukraine deems unacceptable. Trump has shifted U.S. policy towards a more conciliatory stance on Russia, indicating he would impose stricter sanctions if peace negotiations stall. Moscow claims readiness for peace talks amid ongoing fighting, seeking to address what it describes as the war’s “root causes,” including demands for Ukrainian territorial concessions and restrictions on military alliances with the West, which Ukraine views as tantamount to surrender.
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