Russia and Ukraine discuss more POW swaps and return of deported children but no deal on ceasefire

Russia and Ukraine held a brief 40-minute meeting in Istanbul on Wednesday, discussing further prisoner exchanges but failing to make progress on a ceasefire or summit between their presidents.

Ukraine's chief delegate Rustem Umerov, confirmed some humanitarian progress, such as plans for additional prisoners of war (POW) swaps and the return of deported children, but said Moscow remained resistant to a broader cessation of hostilities.

Umerov added, "By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach."

Ukraine proposed a meeting between Presidents Volodymr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of August, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump's 50-day ultimatum for a peace deal. 

However, Russia’s chief delegate Vladimir Medinsky said a leaders’ summit should only happen to finalize an agreement, not to renegotiate terms.

While Ukraine pushes for a long-term ceasefire, Russia suggested short 24–48-hour halts to recover bodies.

They agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war from each side. 

Medinsky claimed Russia is working to return 339 Ukrainian children and offered to hand over 3,000 Ukrainian corpses, denying abduction allegations.

"Some of the children have already been returned back to Ukraine. Work is under way on the rest. If their legal parents, close relatives, representatives are found, these children will immediately return home," Medinsky said.

Despite hopes, the Kremlin downplayed expectations before the meeting, and the session ended as the shortest yet—underscoring the gulf between the two sides.

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