US EditionRussia and Ukraine Agree to Large-Scale Prisoner Swap, Core Disputes Remain Unresolved
- On May 16, 2025, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in over three years in Istanbul, agreeing to a large prisoner swap but not a ceasefire.
- The talks followed years of conflict since Moscow's 2022 invasion and pressure from the U.S. And European allies for negotiations and a ceasefire.
- Both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, the biggest swap so far, and to submit detailed ceasefire proposals and consider a heads-of-state meeting.
- Russian demands for Ukraine to withdraw from large territories remained unacceptable to Kyiv, which insisted on an immediate ceasefire and substantive diplomacy, with Zelenskyy calling Putin 'afraid' to meet.
- Despite the prisoner swap, key issues remain unresolved, the ceasefire remains elusive, and leaders urged sustained pressure on Russia while considering a possible Trump-Putin summit.
583 Articles
583 Articles
Ukraine War: "The only Ones that Could Slow Down the Russians Are the Chinese"
After the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, it is open whether they will continue. Concrete plans for further meetings were not mentioned by the representatives of the conflict parties. Our correspondent Christoph Wanner reports from Kiev.
Herald Bulletin
Ukraine-Russia political theatrics underscore stark realities on the ground as war grinds on
Ukrainian officials and analysts say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has few options but to draw U.S. President Donald Trump’s ire against Vladimir Putin, while depending on Europe’s support. Ukraine’s strategy since U.S.-brokered peace talks were launched is to convince the…
Ukraine and Russia: Talks over - No Ceasefire in Sight
The first direct meeting in more than three years: representatives of Ukraine and Russia met in Istanbul - albeit only briefly. Russia is satisfied, the Ukraine speaks of "unacceptable" demands. By S. Diettrich.[more]]>
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