Istanbul

Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu were convicted of giving false testimony in the Gezi Park protests case. They were sentenced to prison terms, but the execution of the sentence was postponed.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Kyiv after talks with Putin in Moscow. Turkey offers to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They discussed efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and economic issues.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Donald Trump is aware of Putin's lies about peaceful intentions in Ukraine. Macron called for a lasting ceasefire and the establishment of a deadline for action.

Russia does not consider the Vatican as a neutral platform for negotiations with Ukraine. They propose Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.

Dmitry Peskov said that there is no understanding yet either on the continuation of the negotiation process with Ukraine, or on the place of their holding. Russia is grateful to Turkey for the conditions in Istanbul.

The third stage of the "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange, agreed upon in Turkey, has taken place. Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, border guards, and employees of the State Special Transport Service are returning home.

Trump changed his position on Ukraine to please Putin. The White House hopes that Putin will take steps towards an agreement, despite the reluctance of the Russian Federation to make concessions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the second round of prisoner exchanges with Ukraine. According to the agreements, 307 servicemen were returned from both sides.

Ukraine confirms its interest in holding negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire in the Vatican. Kyiv is grateful to the Pope for offering to be a platform for the meeting.

Rustem Umerov announced that Ukraine has started the first stage of the exchange of prisoners with Russia. Exchanges will continue over the next two days to release even more Ukrainians.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia has been unable to formulate its memorandum on a ceasefire for a week. The President emphasized that every day of war means losses.

In Istanbul, about 70 people were detained, including 49 city hall officials, including the head of security and heads of municipal enterprises. They are accused of corruption crimes.

Putin is not ready for peace, and the aggressor's demands are unacceptable. Advisor to the OP Mykhailo Podolyak stated that forcing Russia to peace is now more important than negotiations. And for this, Ukraine needs weapons and strengthening of anti-Russian sanctions.

The exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia in the format of "1000 for 1000" will take place in several stages over several days, according to UNN sources.

Western leaders see the Vatican as a place for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. However, the Kremlin insists on Istanbul and accuses Ukraine of delaying the peace process.

The President of Ukraine received reports from intelligence and the SSU regarding the exchange lists provided by the Russians; details are being worked out. Ukraine has submitted its exchange list in the format of "1000 for 1000."

Russia has confirmed receiving a list from Ukraine for the exchange of prisoners in the format "1000 for 1000". Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine is preparing an exchange of prisoners of war, checking information for each surname.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is working on an exchange of prisoners of war "1000 for 1000". Everyone is interested in conducting it as soon as possible.

Russia rejects US ceasefire proposals, adhering to a tactic of gradual battlefield successes. The Kremlin continues to confuse the processes of ceasefire and peaceful settlement.

Rustem Umerov announced that an agreement on prisoner exchange had been reached following negotiations in Turkey. A plan for the implementation of the exchange has already been agreed upon, and tasks for the coming days have been defined.

The President of Ukraine stated that russia put forward unrealistic conditions for a long-term ceasefire in Istanbul. Zelenskyy emphasized the absence of intentions in Moscow to end the war.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that putin's agreement to a complete ceasefire is the only real indicator of russia's readiness for peace. He called for increased pressure on russia.

The Security Service of Ukraine has begun preparations for a prisoner exchange under the "1000 for 1000" formula, agreed upon in Istanbul. Lists are being compiled and infrastructure is being prepared to receive Ukrainian soldiers.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga informed Kaja Kallas about the results of diplomatic contacts in Turkey. The parties agreed to increase pressure on Moscow.

Minister Sybiha emphasized that the negotiations with Russia in Istanbul showed the need to put pressure on the aggressor. An exchange of 1,000 prisoners was agreed, but Russia is not ready for peace.

Putin's plan to present the meeting in Istanbul as a continuation of March 2022 has failed. Ukraine will insist on a ceasefire and a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussing support, strengthening air defense, and investments in drone production. He also held talks with the leaders of Denmark, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Sweden.

The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul had signs of theatricality, where each side promoted its own narratives. Sky News notes that the Russian Federation seeks to show readiness for diplomacy, but does not make concessions.

An anonymous Ukrainian official said that Russia sent a delegation to the peace talks in Istanbul that had no intention of negotiating. Without decisive steps to force the Russian Federation into real negotiations, it is impossible.