First direct Russia-Ukraine talks since 2022 in Istanbul end with a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner deal and no ceasefire
Confirmedon an admission by the acting party plus an independent origin: 1 distinct origin, 1 tied to no party.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations met at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul on 16 May, chaired by Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan, in their first direct talks since 2022, the Guardian reported; neither Putin nor Zelensky attended. The talks lasted less than two hours and produced agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, the largest swap of the war, while Russia rejected the 30-day ceasefire Ukraine sought. Ukrainian officials said the Russian side demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from five regions, including territory Russia does not occupy, as a condition for a ceasefire.
- When
- 16 May 2025
- Where
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- What
- negotiation
- Acting party
- Government of Russia, Government of Ukraine
- Attribution
- Acknowledged by the acting party. Both delegations confirmed the talks and outcome.
- In the record
- Published 2026-10-27 21:03 UTC · revision 1 · monthly summary
Sources
- Evidence The Guardian
- Origin of the claim The Guardian
History
| When | Field | From | To | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 21:03 UTC | status | null | confirmed | P1 monthly summary: researched from cited sources and graded by the one rule |
Cite or reuse
The War Record, "First direct Russia-Ukraine talks since 2022 in Istanbul end with a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner deal and no ceasefire", ev-20261027-4hwr, revision 1, https://thewarrecord.com/events/ev-20261027-4hwr/