During last week’s negotiations held at the historic Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine reached a significant accord. They insisted on negotiating exchange of prisoners and repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers. Turkey’s role in bringing them to the table produced a unique chance for sustained diplomatic dialogue even as fighting continued. Unlike previous talks, these did not lead to a ceasefire.
Both countries agreed to double down on such a deal during the negotiations. It provides for the exchange of “at least 1,000” prisoners per side. This countervailing step is a welcome sign of hope for the many families devastated by the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the two countries “exchanged documents through the Turkish side,” indicating that Ukraine is preparing for the release of the next group of captives.
Details of the Agreement
These negotiations produced a breakthrough agreement by both Russia and Ukraine. This change of heart included shipping home the remains of approximately 6,000 soldiers who died in battle. This bipartisan decision highlights a growing recognition of the human toll of the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, had suggested a limited ceasefire of two or three days in specific frontline regions. This short break would allow for the bringing home of fallen soldiers who otherwise would remain on far-away battlefields. The proposal reflects a welcome new openness to focus on humanitarian considerations. Yet, Sergei Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, noted that Russia still refused to entertain the idea of an unconditional ceasefire.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov underscored during the news briefing that this coming prisoner swap would be focused on young soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. This demographic focus reflects the war’s toll on younger generations and highlights the importance of working to change their fate.
Broader Implications and Conditions
While the prisoner swap is a step in the right direction, opinions diverge between the two sides on future negotiations. In response, Russia introduced a memorandum which spells out its conditions to cease hostilities. In it, they call upon Ukraine to stop its mobilization of troops and stop the delivery of arms from the West.
To that end, Russia has ordered Ukraine to cease redeploying its forces. They wish to see the removal of any third-country military presence from the territory of Ukraine. Both Ukraine and its Western backers are understandably wary of such conditions. Until now, they had turned down equivalent requests from the Kremlin.
During the first debate, Russian President Vladimir Putin threw down the gauntlet with an audacious offer. He called for Ukraine to lift martial law and conduct elections before proceeding to a full peace agreement. This recommendation has triggered a debate over protecting Ukraine’s strategic independence and sovereignty.
Future Prospects for Peace Talks
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was instrumental in bringing these peace talks about, and his role cannot be underestimated. His continuing role is a testament to Turkey’s long-term desire to act as a mediator between the two warring countries. President Zelenskyy has indicated he is willing to meet with President Putin, demonstrating his commitment to seeking dialogue.
Zelenskyy’s administration has even suggested further negotiations from June 20–30, indicating a willingness to keep talking. Still, despite all of this, many are skeptical about whether any real progress is possible.
“My greatest wish is to bring together Putin and Zelenskyy in Istanbul or Ankara and even add [United States President Donald] Trump along.” – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Al Jazeera correspondent Dmitry Medvedenko remarked on the situation, noting, “The exchange of prisoners seems to be the diplomatic channel that actually works between Russia and Ukraine.” This sentiment is a strong reminder of the need to prioritize on-the-ground impacts during negotiations despite escalating geopolitical tensions.
Yet as critics such as Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko have raised, these moves by Moscow are not indicative of a true commitment to resolving the war. He referenced previous proposals for a ceasefire that were rejected by Moscow, stating, “Russia clearly shows that they don’t want to end the war because Ukraine proposed a 30-days ceasefire in March, and the American and Europe proposition was the same, but only one country [Russia] refused.”
