Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul on Wednesday ended with minimal progress, as the two sides agreed solely on a new prisoner exchange while failing to bridge the significant divide on broader issues such as a ceasefire or a potential leaders’ summit.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia speaks next to Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Rustem Umerov, during a press conference after the third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Talks Lasted Only 40 Minutes

The meeting, which marked the third round of talks between the two delegations, lasted just 40 minutes. According to Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, while there was “humanitarian progress,” no steps were made toward halting hostilities.

Umerov stated that Ukraine proposed a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of August, describing such a move as an opportunity for Russia to demonstrate a constructive approach.

Russia Reaffirms Ceasefire Conditions

Vladimir Medinsky, leading the Russian delegation, responded that a presidential-level meeting would only be meaningful if it were to finalize and sign a treaty, rather than restart broad discussions. He reiterated Moscow’s offer for temporary ceasefires lasting between 24 and 48 hours, aimed at allowing both sides to recover their dead and wounded from the battlefield. However, he acknowledged that overall, the two countries’ positions “remain far apart.”

Russia’s presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky speaks next to members of the Russian delegation during a press conference on the day of the third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya

Prisoner Exchange Agreement Reached

Despite the political stalemate, both sides agreed to a significant prisoner swap, with at least 1,200 prisoners of war set to be exchanged from each side. Medinsky also announced Russia’s willingness to return the remains of more than 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Additionally, Russia is reportedly reviewing a list of 339 Ukrainian children believed by Kyiv to have been abducted and relocated to Russia. The Kremlin denies accusations of forced abductions, claiming the children were separated from their families due to the conflict and are being protected.

Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Rustem Umerov speaks next to the members of the Ukrainian delegation, during a press conference after the third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

“Some children have already been returned to Ukraine. Efforts are ongoing for the rest. If parents or close relatives are located, these children will be immediately returned to their homeland,” said Medinsky.

Umerov emphasized that Kyiv expects further progress on the issue of prisoners, particularly the release of civilians, including children. Ukrainian authorities maintain that over 19,000 children have been forcibly taken to Russia or occupied territories since the invasion began in February 2022.