In a significant development, the second round of ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia concluded in Turkey after a concise hour-long meeting. While details remain scarce, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on June 2nd that both sides are actively preparing for another prisoner exchange. This follows a previous successful swap in May, where a remarkable 1,000 prisoners were exchanged from each side.

Adding to the complexity of the negotiations, the Ukrainian delegation presented a list of Ukrainian children deported to Russia, demanding their safe return home. This emotionally charged issue underscores the humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside the conflict.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, prior to the talks, highlighted the meeting’s objectives: assessing conditions for a ceasefire, facilitating further prisoner releases, and potentially paving the way for a summit between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. The brevity of the meeting suggests intense behind-the-scenes discussions and perhaps an optimistic outlook for future negotiations. The focus on prisoner exchanges indicates a potential path toward de-escalation, even amidst the ongoing conflict.