The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on ending a war that began in the early months of Moscow’s 2022 invasion lasted less than two hours on Friday. While both countries agreed on a massive prisoner exchange, they remained far apart on critical terms for ending the war.
The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years concluded Friday without a ceasefire deal, with Kyiv rejecting Moscow’s demands as “non-starters” as the two sides agreed to release 1,000 prisoners of war – the biggest such exchange since the conflict started.
The gathering, which took place at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, did not last more than an hour and a half. While the two sides technically agreed in principle to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war for each other — the biggest such swap ever made — overall peace still eluded them.
A senior Ukrainian official said on condition of anonymity that Russia presented new and “unacceptable” conditions, including the pullback of Ukrainian troops from extensive territories. These were first-time conditions, never put on the table before, and were summarily rejected by Kyiv. “Russia’s proposals were unrealistic,” said a member of Ukraine’s delegation.
Russia expressed satisfaction with the talks and readiness for further contacts, but Ukrainian officials revealed Moscow had introduced unexpected conditions, including Ukrainian troop withdrawals from large occupied areas. “These proposals had never been discussed before,” a senior Ukrainian official told The Associated Press anonymously.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi attested to Russia having presented “unacceptable” conditions but reported that Kyiv’s delegation held firm to its positions calmly. The Ukrainian side restated its priority for a quick truce and diplomatic map by US and European proposals.
