Russia, Ukraine Agree on Prisoner Swap, Summit Proposal

Russia and Ukraine agreed during Istanbul peace talks to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners each, including military personnel and civilians, and Russia offered to return the bodies of 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Humanitarian progress includes another large-scale prisoner swap and the return of some abducted Ukrainian children, though Russia denies any wrongdoing. No ceasefire deal was reached, as Ukraine pressed for a long-term cessation and Russia suggested only short-term truces to retrieve the dead. Ukraine also proposed a summit by late August between President Zelensky, President Putin, US President Trump, and Turkish President Erdogan, but Russia said such a meeting should only occur to finalize agreements. The US has threatened new sanctions on Russia if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. Both parties have agreed to continue talks, but a breakthrough remains unlikely.