First Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Since 2022

Russia and Ukraine held their first direct negotiations since spring 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey. The only concrete outcome was an agreement on a prisoner exchange — the largest of the war, involving over 1,000 POWs on each side. Core territorial and security issues remained unresolved. Russia demanded Ukraine withdraw from all four annexed oblasts; Ukraine insisted on sovereignty and security guarantees. The talks confirmed the vast gap between the sides' positions.