Russia, Ukraine hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul

 

Russia and Ukraine held a third round of peace talks on Wednesday at Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace, agreeing on a major prisoner exchange but failing to reach common ground on a ceasefire.

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov reiterated the call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, stressing the need to halt attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Russia’s Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the exchange of 1,200 prisoners each and proposed short ceasefires to evacuate the wounded and retrieve fallen soldiers, according to Xinhua.

Ukraine also suggested a presidential meeting involving Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, and possibly US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Russia, Ukraine hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul Russia dismissed the idea as premature.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged both sides to pursue a ceasefire and end the conflict, which continues despite earlier rounds yielding limited progress, Xinhua reported.