The Istanbul peace talks have led to an exchange of 1,200 prisoners. Ukraine proposes a meeting between Zelenski and Putin by the end of August.

At peace talks in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange up to 1,200 prisoners, including staff and civilians. Ukraine called for a meeting between Presidents Zelenski and Putin by the end of August, while Russia proposed 24-48 hour truces to recover the dead and wounded. Direct talks began in May and the recent meeting was a continuation of peace efforts in the context of the war in Ukraine.