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Russia and Ukraine peace talks fail to agree ceasefire

The Independent

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May 17, 2025

But both will swap 1,000 prisoners of war each as Donald Trump says deal not possible until he meets Vladimir Putin

- TOM WATLING

Russia and Ukraine peace talks fail to agree ceasefire

Ukraine rallied support from its Western allies yesterday after Kyiv and Moscow failed to agree to a ceasefire at their first direct talks in more than three years, with Russia presenting conditions that a Ukrainian source described as “non-starters”. However, the two countries agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.

imageUnder pressure from US president Donald Trump to end the conflict, delegates from the warring countries met for the first time since March 2022, the month after Russia invaded its neighbour. The negotiations, held in Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace and mediated by a Turkish team, took place after a turbulent two days cast doubt over whether the meeting would take place at all.

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