In a breakthrough for diplomacy, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to resume negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Friday.
The announcement follows direct talks between the two sides in Istanbul — the first such meeting in three years. Türkiye, which has maintained close ties with both Moscow and Kiev, hosted the delegations and served as an observer.
As part of the discussions, Russia and Ukraine agreed to conduct the largest prisoner exchange since the escalation of the war in 2022, with each side set to release 1,000 prisoners of war. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov both confirmed the deal.
Fidan also stated that both delegations agreed to share written proposals outlining their respective conditions for a ceasefire. While there is no fixed timeline for the exchange of these documents, sources close to the talks told TASS that a fundamental understanding on moving forward has been reached.
The renewed talks were initiated following a public invitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially rejected talks unless Moscow first agreed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. However, his position shifted after public encouragement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who backed direct negotiations and offered American support.
Türkiye previously hosted high-level peace discussions in March 2022. At the time, Russia proposed a draft agreement offering Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for neutrality and limits on military expansion. That effort collapsed when the Ukrainian side, reportedly under pressure from the UK, withdrew.
David Arakhamia, the former Ukrainian chief negotiator, later confirmed that then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had advised Kiev against finalizing the agreement — a move that extended the conflict and deepened mistrust.
Despite the political hurdles, the new Istanbul meeting signals renewed diplomatic momentum. With both sides agreeing to reconvene and the exchange of prisoners set to proceed, observers hope the framework may lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive peace settlement.
Türkiye’s ongoing mediation and the involvement of international actors, including the U.S., suggest that diplomacy is again being given a chance — albeit cautiously.