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What happened next?Continue in this file · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline
File · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline

Istanbul talks produce an agreement to exchange detainees

On 16 May 2025, the first direct Russia-Ukraine talks since 2022 produce an agreement to exchange one thousand prisoners on each side, without a ceasefire agreement.

Delegations meet in Istanbul with Türkiye hosting. Officials announce plans to continue contacts, but their positions on the conditions for a truce remain far apart.

This entry dates the exchange agreement, not the release of everyone announced. Actual transfers must be documented separately when they occur.

Sources 2
What happened before?Continue in this file · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline