Istanbul
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.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Russia did not show goodwill at the negotiations in Istanbul, putting forward unacceptable conditions. Politicians will continue to work for peace in Ukraine.
A plane with the Russian delegation flew from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport to Russia. This is reported by Russian media.
Zelenskyy discussed with the Prime Minister of Sweden the results of negotiations in Turkey and increased pressure on Russia. The parties also focused on cooperation within the coalition of willing parties.
During negotiations in Istanbul, Medinsky tried to put pressure on the Ukrainian delegation with fake quotes from Bismarck and Napoleon. Both of these historical figures never said what Medinsky attributed to them.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul were positive, despite Russia's demands for troop withdrawal. An exchange of prisoners was discussed, but the Russian delegation did not have the authority.
Andriy Kovalenko stated that the threats from the Russians are traditional behavior, which often has no basis. During negotiations in Istanbul, the Russians demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the occupied territories.
In Istanbul, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations reached agreements, in particular, on the exchange of prisoners "1000 for 1000". A meeting of the leaders of the countries was also discussed.
The delegations of Ukraine and Russia have reached a fundamental agreement to meet again. Turkey has assured that it will make efforts for peace between the countries.
The Russian delegation at the Istanbul talks threatened to seize Kharkiv and Sumy regions. This could happen if Ukraine does not withdraw troops from four partially occupied regions.
An advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Russia is not interested in real negotiations, but only simulates them while attacking Ukrainian cities. He called for the strict coercion of Russia to peace.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey to discuss a peaceful settlement. He thanked Turkey for organizing the meeting.
Russian delegation left the negotiation room with Ukraine in Istanbul, a pause was taken. These are the first direct negotiations since 2022, but Putin refused to participate.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source reported that Russia's demands at the Istanbul talks are unrealistic. They go far beyond the scope of previous discussions.
Russian media reports the completion of the meeting between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. According to media reports, the negotiations lasted less than two hours.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Russian delegation in Istanbul cannot agree to a ceasefire. He emphasized that Putin continues to undermine democracy by refusing negotiations.