Overview

• Direct bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed on May 16, 2025, in Istanbul, marking their first such meeting in three years.
• The delegations agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side, a significant confidence-building measure amidst ongoing hostilities.
• Ukraine prioritized an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a key objective, but Russia rejected the proposal, citing security concerns.
• The talks were preceded by a tripartite meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey, highlighting multilateral mediation efforts.
• Tensions flared when Ukraine criticized the low-ranking Russian delegation, prompting mutual insults and underscoring deep mistrust between the parties.