Moscow-Kiev negotiations: Kremlin asks Ukraine to 'cede territories' for a possible truce

Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have concluded. This marks the first direct meeting between the two countries since 2022.

During the talks, Russian negotiators demanded that Kiev withdraw its troops from the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow during the invasion, a Ukrainian official told AFP, describing the demand as "unacceptable."

"The Russian representatives are putting forward unacceptable demands, such as requiring Ukraine to withdraw its forces from large areas of territory it currently controls in order to initiate a ceasefire," said the source, who requested anonymity.

The Kremlin said it was "satisfied" with the first peace negotiations with Ukraine since 2022 and expressed its "willingness to continue contacts."

"In general, we are satisfied with the result and ready to continue contacts," Moscow envoy Vladimir Medinsky told reporters.

Also, Russia and Ukraine agreed on Friday to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.

"In the next few days there will be a large-scale prisoner exchange, 1,000 for 1,000," Medinsky said. The chief Ukrainian negotiator, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, also confirmed the exchange and said that there was talk of a ceasefire and a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who has served as mediator during the negotiations between Kiev and Moscow, said today was "an important day for peace." According to Fidan, both countries have agreed to "share in writing the conditions that would make it possible to reach a ceasefire."