Russia and Ukraine have reached a prisoner swap deal after their first direct talks in three years.
The negotiations, held in Istanbul, Turkey, lasted about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, with the swap expected to happen soon.
The exact date and time haven’t been made public yet.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister said the date has been set but can’t be shared publicly.
Vladimir Medinsky, head of Russia’s delegation, said both countries will discuss their views on a potential ceasefire.
He confirmed the prisoner swap will happen soon.
During the talks, Ukraine asked to have direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia acknowledged the request but hasn’t given a formal response.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan played a key role in facilitating the discussions.
While the progress isn’t a complete peace agreement, it’s a step towards real negotiations in the future.
The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for over three years, resulting in millions of deaths and displacements.
Background
The war between Russia and Ukraine started in 2022.
It has caused widespread destruction and human suffering.
Both sides have been looking for ways to end the conflict.
The recent talks in Istanbul are part of these efforts.
The negotiations were seen as a positive step by both sides.
They showed that even in the midst of conflict, there are opportunities for dialogue.
Key Players
- Vladimir Medinsky: Head of Russia’s delegation
- Hakan Fidan: Turkish Foreign Minister who facilitated the talks
- Vladimir Putin: Russian President
The role of these individuals in the negotiations and the future of the conflict is significant.
Their actions and decisions will likely shape the course of events.
The situation remains complex, with many factors at play.
The international community is watching closely as events unfold.
The prisoner swap deal is a small but significant step towards resolving the conflict.
It shows that even in difficult circumstances, progress is possible.