In a significant development during peace negotiations held in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to an “all-for-all” exchange of two key categories of prisoners of war, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks, mediated by Turkey, mark a humanitarian breakthrough even as broader political issues remain unresolved.
Umerov announced that the agreement includes a full-scale exchange of severely wounded and critically ill prisoners, as well as young soldiers aged 18 to 25, between the two countries. In addition to these categories, both sides have also agreed to exchange the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers each.
This follows an earlier prisoner exchange held between May 23 and May 25, where 1,000 prisoners from each side were released over three days.
“These steps represent crucial progress on humanitarian grounds,” Umerov told journalists in Istanbul. “However, we continue to push for more substantial outcomes, including a ceasefire and a leadership summit.”
Despite the progress on exchanges, Russia has not yet agreed to a ceasefire or to a proposed meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Umerov stated that Ukraine proposed a summit to be held between June 20 and 30, potentially involving U.S. President Joe Biden, to directly address critical issues and chart a path toward peace.
Ukraine’s delegation also raised concerns over the deportation of Ukrainian children, handing Russia a list of several hundred minors allegedly relocated to Russian territory during the conflict.
While the exchange deals mark a notable step forward in reducing the humanitarian cost of the war, the lack of consensus on a ceasefire and summit indicates that major political and territorial disagreements continue to impede a broader resolution.
