Results of the third round of direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations

The third round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul (Türkiye) has ended.

RT reported that the Russian and Ukrainian delegations held direct negotiations at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 23. According to TASS sources, the meeting between the two delegations lasted about 40 minutes.

The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Putin, while former Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council in a major government reshuffle last week, is the head of the Ukrainian delegation.

Vladimir Medinsky speaks to the press after Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 23, 2025. Photo: Sputnik.

Russia and Ukraine have implemented all humanitarian agreements reached during the second round of talks in Istanbul last month, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said.

"Russia has offered to return another 3,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. The remains will be repatriated through the Red Cross after Kiev confirms its readiness to receive them," Medinsky said.

According to Mr. Medinsky, Russia has proposed a latest prisoner exchange involving at least 1,200 prisoners on each side. In addition, Russia proposed a 24- or 48-hour ceasefire to allow time to evacuate wounded soldiers and recover bodies from the battlefield.

"Russia has invited Ukraine to create three online working groups, including on political , humanitarian and military issues, to continue discussions. Kiev has agreed to consider Russia's proposal for these working groups," Medinsky said.

The third round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 23. Photo: Sputnik.

Shortly after the talks ended, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the latest prisoner exchange, saying the exchanged servicemen had arrived in Belarus. The ministry added that the soldiers were expected to be returned to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation.

The two countries' delegations exchanged positions outlined in their memorandum, but the two sides remained deeply divided on key issues, Medinsky said. "Despite the differences, dialogue will continue," he added, noting that Moscow hoped a fourth round of talks would be held.

>>> Readers are invited to watch a video about the latest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine after the third round of negotiations.

Video source: RT.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/ket-qua-vong-dam-phan-truc-tiep-nga-ukraine-thu-ba-post1556930.html