Ukraine and Russia prepare new prisoner exchange after talks in Istanbul

Ukraine and Russia held talks in Istanbul. Photo: Getty Images

The second round of talks between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia has ended in Istanbul. Following the meeting, the parties are preparing a new exchange of prisoners of war.

This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

«Regarding the Istanbul talks, I am waiting for a full report from Umierov, they exchanged views and we are preparing a new exchange of prisoners of war,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The talks were mediated by Turkey and lasted about an hour. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the meeting began on 2 June at 15:00 Kyiv time.

Before the talks began, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined the main topics of the meeting: discussing the possibility of a truce, humanitarian initiatives, including the exchange of prisoners, and preparations for a potential meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.

«Regular meetings are valuable in terms of trust between the two sides. The more often we discuss these issues, the closer our positions will become. I believe that this meeting will be as effective as possible and we will achieve specific goals on the way to a ceasefire as soon as possible,» Hakan Fidan said.

The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul this morning. It should be noted that the day before, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made changes to the delegation.