Ukraine – Russia negotiations have concluded in Istanbul. The main outsomes are as follows: ceasefire, 1000-for-1000 exchange, and Russia’s threats to capture Kharkiv and Sumy regions.
Delegations are expected to make press statements shortly. A statement by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is scheduled for approximately 6:00 PM.
Umerov: Ukraine is discussing a ceasefire, a “1000-for-1000” exchange, and preparations for a leaders’ meeting.
During a brief meeting with journalists in Istanbul, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the goal of the negotiations was to discuss a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. He also noted that preparations are underway for a “1000-for-1000” exchange and a possible meeting of the countries’ leaders.
The minister did not provide further details.
Russian delegation confirms agreement on large-scale “1000-for-1000” exchange and considers direct meeting of presidents.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed the information about an upcoming large-scale prisoner exchange under the formula of “1000-for-1000,” which is reportedly expected to take place in the coming days.
Additionally, he told journalists that the Ukrainian side proposed holding direct talks between the presidents of the two countries, and this issue was “taken into consideration” by the Russian delegation.
According to him, the parties also agreed that each country will present its vision of a possible ceasefire, after which the negotiation process will continue.
Meanwhile, in Istanbul, the Russians threatened to capture the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, according to a reporter from The Economist.
“A well-informed source told me that Russia stated it would agree to a ceasefire only if Ukraine withdrew from the four ‘annexed’ provincial regions, which it does not even fully control. Moscow also threatened to capture two more: Kharkiv and Sumy,” Oliver Carroll wrote on social media platform X.
According to Oliver Carroll, the head of the Russian delegation, Medinsky, said: “We don’t want war, but we are ready to fight for a year, two, three — however long it takes. We fought with Sweden for 21 years. How long are you willing to fight?”
EMPR
