Russia-Ukraine agree to swap prisoners during first meeting in Istanbul

This was the first face-to-face talk between representatives of the two warring nations in three years.

'Satisfied With Outcome'

Speaking after the meeting, Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation, was quoted as saying by RT.com: "We are satisfied with the outcome and are ready to continue contacts."

He said: "A large-scale prisoner exchange will take place, 1,000 for 1,000 people."

He said Russia has taken the 'request' of the Ukrainian officials for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"We agreed that each side will present its vision of a possible future ceasefire, outlining it in detail. Once these visions are presented, it has been mutually agreed that it would be appropriate to continue our negotiations," he said.

Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi was quoted as saying by BBC that during the meeting, Russia made a 'number of demands' which remained unacceptable.

UN Welcomes Russia-Ukraine Talks

The United Nations has welcomed talks between Russia and Ukraine held on Friday in Türkey.

Delegations met in Istanbul for the first direct negotiations in three years, including on a potential ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange.

The UN acknowledged the important role of Türkey and the United States in facilitating the talks, said Stephanie Tremblay, a spokesperson for the global body in New York.

“We hope this process will lead to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which would serve as a critical step towards creating the conditions for a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions,” she said.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the talks marked the first time the parties have met since the early months of the war.