The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, after negotiations with the Russians mediated by Turkey in Istanbul, announced that they managed to agree on an “all-for-all” exchange for two categories.
Umerov told journalists following the talks in Istanbul.
“We agreed on an all-for-all exchange of severely wounded and critically ill prisoners of war. The second category is young soldiers aged 18 to 25, also on an all-for-all basis. Additionally, we agreed on the return of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers in exchange for 6,000,” Umerov said.
During the first round of negotiations, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a prisoner exchange on a "1,000 for 1,000" basis. This exchange took place over three days—from May 23 to May 25.
Umerov also said that they agreed on an exchange of the bodies of fallen soldiers, on a 6,000 for 6,000 basis.
He added that the Russians need another week to respond to the ceasefire document.
Russia did NOT agree to a ceasefire or a meeting between the leaders.
"We proposed holding a meeting with Putin between June 20 and 30. We firmly believe that all key issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders. And the meeting can involve the President of the United States. We consider that further work between the delegations makes sense if it is aimed at preparing a leaders’ meeting. We proposed to the Russian side to hold a meeting before the end of this month, from June 20 to 30. This is extremely important for progress in the negotiation process,” he said.
Ukraine discussed three main issues during the negotiations: unconditional ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and a leaders’ meeting. Ukraine also handed over to Russia a list of several hundred Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia.
