Istanbul Talks Yield Prisoner Exchange Agreement, Ceasefire Discussions

Ukraine and Russia held talks in Istanbul on June 2, 2025, resulting in agreements on a prisoner exchange and discussions about a ceasefire and war termination. The exchange included sick and seriously wounded prisoners, and discussions about exchanging the bodies of the dead were also held. According to the report, "The scale of this exchange may be larger than the previous one, possibly involving 1000 to 1200 people." Memorandums outlining terms for a ceasefire and the conclusion of hostilities were exchanged. The Ukrainian delegation also provided a list of Ukrainian children who need to be returned. The meeting, which lasted just over an hour, offers a glimmer of hope for peace.