Partial Ceasefire Agreed As Russia, Ukraine Plan Exchange Of 12,000 Dead Soldiers

In a tentative step toward ending over three years of war, Russia has offered Ukraine a partial ceasefire lasting two to three days, while both countries have agreed to exchange the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers each, as well as certain categories of prisoners of war.

The outcomes followed the latest round of peace negotiations held on Monday in Istanbul, where delegations from both sides presented documents outlining possible roadmaps to peace.

Speaking at a post-meeting press conference, Ukrainian negotiator Sergiy Kyslytsya said, “The Russian side continued to reject the motion of an unconditional ceasefire.” Russia’s stance has remained firm on requiring conditions for any extended cessation of hostilities.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation, proposed holding a new round of talks between June 20 and 30 and again pushed for a direct presidential meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.

“We propose to the Russian side to hold a meeting by the end of this month,” Umerov said, adding, “The delegations should try to agree on a meeting between the presidents.”

In a notable humanitarian gesture, both sides agreed to exchange 6,000 remains of killed soldiers on each side.

Conduct an “all-for-all” prisoner swap involving severely wounded and ill prisoners of war.

Young soldiers aged 18–25.

“These steps are critical for restoring some degree of humanity amid this brutal war,” Umerov stated.

Though progress remains limited, the talks marked the most direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow since initial post-invasion attempts in 2022. Mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the talks were held at Istanbul’s historic Çırağan Palace.

Despite these limited concessions, major issues remain unresolved, including territorial integrity, NATO aspirations, and military restrictions.

Russia’s rejection of an unconditional ceasefire underscores ongoing tensions and fundamental disagreements. Still, observers see the limited deals on humanitarian grounds as a tentative sign of diplomatic thaw.