Ukraine and Russia concluded a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, with officials citing positive developments, particularly on humanitarian issues.
The negotiations, held behind closed doors under Turkish mediation, “did not end negatively,” according to Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli.
During the talks, Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine presented its agenda to Russia, proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of young soldiers and children.
Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky announced after the talks that Moscow will return 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. He also noted that Moscow and Kyiv agreed to exchange all heavily wounded soldiers and those aged 18 to 25. Additionally, Russia proposed a temporary ceasefire in certain areas along the front lines for two to three days.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov indicated that they have proposed the next round of talks to take place before the end of June.
The peace talks mark a hopeful step toward de-escalation after months of conflict, as both sides seek solutions to alleviate humanitarian crises and move toward a lasting resolution.
