The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations concluded on Monday at Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace, lasting just over an hour.
Russia was represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while Ukraine’s delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, accompanied by top officials including the foreign minister and military leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Vilnius Summit, confirmed the end of the talks and noted that documents were exchanged via the Turkish side. He added that both sides are working toward a new prisoner exchange.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said Ukraine demanded the return of children allegedly “illegally deported” to Russian-controlled areas.
The previous round, also held in Istanbul on May 16, had resulted in the largest prisoner swap since the conflict began.
Türkiye continues to serve as a key mediator, maintaining strong ties with both Moscow and Kyiv.
