War in Ukraine: Fragile Talks in Istanbul Lead to Prisoner Exchange – Kyiv Calls for Zelensky-Putin Meeting

For the first time in over two years, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met on Friday, May 16, at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, in peace talks facilitated by Turkey. Though hailed as “constructive” by both delegations, neither President Volodymyr Zelensky nor President Vladimir Putin attended the meeting.

Major Prisoner Swap Announced Amid Ceasefire Discussions

After two hours of negotiations, both sides announced a significant agreement: the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each in the coming days. This marks a rare moment of cooperation in a war that has seen more than fifty such exchanges since its outbreak in 2022.

The delegations also discussed the prospect of a ceasefire. Both parties agreed to present and elaborate on their respective visions for a potential truce. Russia’s lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, said he was “generally satisfied with the outcome” and “ready to continue contact” with Kyiv.

Kyiv Urges High-Level Meeting as Moscow Stalls

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who headed the Kyiv delegation, stated that a direct meeting between the two heads of state should be “the next step.” The call was echoed by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, who reiterated Kyiv’s demand for an “unconditional ceasefire.”

Despite these calls for diplomacy, progress remains uncertain. The Kremlin has rejected the idea of an immediate ceasefire, arguing that a pause in fighting would allow Ukraine, heavily supported by Western arms, to regroup. Moscow continues to demand a halt to arms deliveries and a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from disputed territories — conditions Kyiv considers unacceptable.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from a summit in Tirana alongside German, British, Polish, and Ukrainian leaders, urged “increased pressure” on Moscow. He criticized Russia’s apparent lack of commitment to negotiations and denounced the absence of both a ceasefire and any high-level talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had hinted at direct involvement, said he would meet Vladimir Putin “as soon as possible,” though clarified he was returning to Washington with no immediate meeting scheduled.