Zelenskyy says Russia, Ukraine agree to hold new exchange of war prisoners

By Elena Teslova and Alperen Aktas

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that Moscow and Kyiv agreed to hold another round of exchange of war prisoners.

Speaking at a news conference in Lithuania's capital Vilnius, Zelenskyy said the delegations exchanged documents through Türkiye at the meeting held in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace.

"We are preparing for the release of prisoners of war," he said.

In a separate statement, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Ukraine had three main points on the agenda -- the first one was a ceasefire.

"Secondly, the liberation of our people, prisoners, and abducted children. Thirdly, a meeting between leaders. Only the exchange aspect has been agreed upon so far. Further details will be provided later," he said.

Istanbul also hosted the previous round of talks on May 16, which had resulted in the largest prisoner swap between the two countries since the start of the conflict, now in its fourth year.

Türkiye has maintained close ties with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the war and has repeatedly offered its mediation to facilitate dialogue and peace efforts.