Russian Military Accuses Ukraine Of Halting Agreed-To Prisoner Swap

The Istanbul peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have resulted in a significant prisoner swap, with 1,000 prisoners exchanged in the initial swap and another 1,000 prisoners agreed to be swapped in the second round of talks. The swap also included the repatriation of over 6,000 bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers. However, Russia is now accusing Ukraine of halting a previously agreed prisoner swap, claiming that Ukraine is not setting a date for the return of 640 prisoners. Russia has emphasized its readiness to implement the Istanbul agreements and proceed with the prisoner exchange. Negotiators had hoped that the prisoner swaps could be the basis for an expanded ceasefire, but Russia's demand for a two or three-day truce has been rejected by Ukraine, which is demanding a 30-day ceasefire. The Kremlin believes that a fuller truce would allow Ukraine to rearm and regroup along the front line positions in the Donbass. Russia has begun the repatriation of Ukrainian soldiers, but Ukraine has rejected Russia's allegations as wartime propaganda. The prisoner swaps have been the main tangible result of the peace talks, but neither side has offered much else in the way of compromise. Ukrainian President Zelensky has characterized the Istanbul talks as largely fruitless and meaningless, accusing Russia of using the talks as cover to buy more time for major aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities.