Ukraine-Russia: Moscow Finalizing Peace Terms Following Landmark Prisoner Exchange

As an unprecedented prisoner exchange unfolds between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has announced it is finalizing a document outlining the conditions for a potential end to the war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday, May 23, that the proposal, currently being completed, will be handed over to Kyiv “as soon as the prisoner exchange is concluded,” which is expected by Sunday. According to Lavrov, the document sets forth the terms for “a durable, comprehensive, and long-term agreement” to resolve the conflict initiated by Russia in 2022.

Dialogue Resumes in Istanbul

The move follows direct talks held mid-May in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations—the first such negotiations since spring 2022. Both sides agreed to draft their own proposals for a peace settlement and to carry out a large-scale prisoner swap.

A Major Exchange Underway

In line with that agreement, a mutual release of 1,000 prisoners from each side began Friday. That day, 270 military personnel and 120 civilians were exchanged by both parties. The process is expected to continue over the weekend, according to statements from both Moscow and Kyiv.

This sequence of events marks a significant shift in the tone of bilateral relations, although the future of negotiations remains highly uncertain.