Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: Progress and Challenges
Sunday, 18 May, 2025135 words2 minutes
The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since 2022 took place in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, which lasted less than two hours, resulted in a significant agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. This prisoner swap is seen as a positive step.
However, the talks did not lead to a ceasefire agreement, which Ukraine and its Western allies consider crucial. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhii Tykhii, emphasized that serious negotiations require silenced guns. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and readiness for further talks.
Both sides discussed the possibility of a meeting between their heads of state. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for tough sanctions against Russia if it rejects a full ceasefire. The international community continues to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
