Camilla Jessen
President Zelenskyy calls it a breakthrough toward meaningful diplomacy.
In what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described as a breakthrough in stalled diplomacy, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side, marking the largest POW swap since the full-scale war began in 2022.
The agreement was reached during negotiations held in Istanbul on May 15–16, according to Ukrainian officials.
In a statement released on May 19, Zelenskyy said the arrangement signals forward movement in talks with Russia, even as Kyiv continues to demand a full ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces.
“Our team is now working through the details of the exchange,” Zelenskyy said, adding that all Russian threats during the negotiations were firmly rejected.
Talks Hosted in Turkey
The latest round of negotiations was hosted by Turkey, a country that has played a recurring role as a mediator in the war.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation, reported that the talks were held within “dignified parameters”, despite attempts at provocation by Russian officials.
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine remains open to direct leader-level talks with Russia and has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, with the option to extend it, as part of efforts to de-escalate the war and return to diplomacy.
Ukraine is not afraid of direct negotiations with Russia,” Zelenskyy said. “But the Kremlin must stop dragging out the war.
Coordination With Western Allies
The announcement of the prisoner swap comes amid ongoing coordination with Western allies, including the United States, France, Germany, the UK, Poland, Italy, and Turkey.
According to Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President, these countries have been regularly updated on Ukraine’s diplomatic moves.
Zelenskyy confirmed that communication with partner nations is “virtually daily,” as Ukraine seeks to maintain international pressure on Moscow and sustain unity among its allies.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also briefed Zelenskyy on the evolving positions of Western governments and efforts to build broader consensus for a possible peace framework.
Following the Istanbul talks, Zelenskyy ordered the creation of a permanent, expanded national negotiating group, signaling Ukraine’s intention to keep channels open — even as active fighting continues in parts of the country.