Major Prisoner Exchange Fuels Hope for Zelenskyy-Putin Summit

Ukraine and Russia Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange Yet, Setting Stage for Potential Zelenskyy-Putin Summit Istanbul, Türkiye – In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine and Russia have completed the largest prisoner exchange to date, involving 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. This landmark event has prompted calls from Ukrainian officials for a high-level meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin to further negotiations. The exchange, confirmed by Ukrainian officials in a press briefing in Istanbul, marks a crucial step toward de-escalation. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov underscored the importance of securing the release of Ukrainian citizens, stating, "Our first priority was people." He further highlighted the negotiations leading to the agreement, emphasizing the scale of the exchange. However, the optimism surrounding the prisoner exchange is tempered by the ongoing need for a broader resolution. Serhii Kyslytsya, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister, stressed the importance of sustained pressure on Russia. He stated, "We should not really relax at this point, and there are many issues that can only be resolved if the leaders can meet." Kyslytsya's remarks underscore the complexities of the conflict and the need for direct engagement at the highest level. The successful prisoner exchange and the subsequent call for a Zelenskyy-Putin summit represent a potential turning point in the conflict. While the path toward lasting peace remains uncertain, this development offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic resolution.