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Friday's talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul were "more positive than expected," according to a Turkish official who spoke to CNN following the discussions aimed at finding a path toward peace in the ongoing conflict.
"It was more positive than expected. They didn't use accusatory language," the Turkish official told CNN's Gul Tuysuz, offering insight into the atmosphere of the negotiations hosted by Türkiye.
The same Turkish official revealed to CNN that Russia's demand for Ukraine to withdraw from territories still under Ukrainian control was presented "in the context of speaking about the cease-fire." A source familiar with Friday's negotiations had earlier informed CNN that the Russian team demanded Kyiv pull out of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson— the four regions Russia attempted to illegally annex in 2022.
According to the Turkish official, a breakthrough in discussions came during a critical moment. "At a moment where it seemed like there was an impasse, we suggested the POW exchange that will include three categories—children, civilians and soldiers. The Ukrainian side went out to get approval for it," the official explained to CNN.
The official noted that the Russian delegation "seemed to need to consult less than the Ukrainians," adding: "They are two sides coming to the table to talk about two different things. But the fact that they came to Istanbul can be seen as a need on their part to find a way out."
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Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi acknowledged to reporters that Russia "voiced a number of things which we deem unacceptable" during Friday's talks, though he did not specify what these were. He emphasized that Ukraine's delegation "handled it in a calm manner … still staying with our line."
Tykhyi revealed that the Ukrainian delegation "was ready to have a cease-fire agreed today," but suggested this wasn't achievable because Russia's delegation "probably has (a) limited mandate.
Expressing gratitude for Türkiye's diplomatic efforts, Tykhyi stated that Ukraine appreciates "Turkish engagement and (its) role as a facilitator … that can really help bring an end to the war."
Following the trilateral meeting, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that a meeting between heads of state is necessary to advance peace efforts.
"I think the next step will be this: A meeting at the leaders' level should be organized. And this will be our next step," Umerov stated at a press conference, adding that Ukraine remains focused on people while maintaining the capability to continue fighting if necessary.
One concrete achievement from the Istanbul talks was an agreement for a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives from each side. Ukrainian officials described this as a significant breakthrough for affected families.
"(The prisoner exchange) is potentially excellent news for 1,000 families in Ukraine," said Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, who characterized the talks as "a potentially very good outcome of a very difficult day."
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he has to come together with Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war.
"I have a very good relationship with Putin. I think we'll make a deal. We have to get together, and I think we'll probably schedule it up," Donald Trump told Fox News in Abu Dhabi.
Istanbul hosted Russia-Ukraine talks Friday to advance peace efforts between the two countries.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the intense diplomatic talks, held under Türkiye’s facilitation, resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side as a confidence-building measure.
Fidan said Ukrainian and Russian officials agreed in principle to meet again for negotiations on a ceasefire.
Trump said he is tired of having other people "go and meet and everything else."
"I think Putin is tired of this whole thing," he said, adding he would use leverage if he had to. "Nobody uses leverage better than me," he added.
The United Nations welcomed the Istanbul talks, with U.N. Deputy Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay noting "the first direct negotiations in three years, discussions about a possible ceasefire and large-scale prisoner of war exchange."
Former U.S. State Department advisor James Carden told Russian news agency RIA Novosti that the prisoner exchange agreement was "a good sign" while cautioning that diplomatic processes take time.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reportedly discussed the outcomes with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas following the talks.
Türkiye has consistently worked to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict since February 2022, previously hosting meetings between the countries' foreign ministers in Antalya and facilitating the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement in July 2022.
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