As tensions persist on the front lines, diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine is still inching forward—albeit slowly.
Both sides are taking a step back to refine what could become a turning point in the war: a detailed ceasefire proposal.
According to Russian presidential aide and lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, formal talks will resume once both delegations have crafted and shared their comprehensive visions for how a ceasefire might actually work.
Both Sides Asked to Lay Out Clear Ceasefire Terms
Speaking to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti, Medinsky confirmed that the delegations agreed to go back to the drawing board.
“The delegations have agreed that each side will present its vision of a potential future ceasefire in detailed form,” he explained.
Once these proposals are clearly on the table, he added, the negotiation process will be ready to move forward again.
It’s a strategic pause rather than a breakdown—an attempt to dig deeper into the specifics rather than continue broad-strokes discussions.
Moscow Expresses Satisfaction with Istanbul Round
Medinsky also offered a glimpse of optimism regarding the previous round of negotiations held in Istanbul, saying that Russia was generally satisfied with how those discussions went.
While he didn’t elaborate on what exactly pleased the Russian side, it’s clear that the Istanbul talks are being viewed in Moscow as a productive stepping stone.
Kyiv’s Request for a Zelensky-Putin Meeting Still on the Table
One of Ukraine’s key requests has been for a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Vladimir Putin.
Medinsky acknowledged this request during his remarks, confirming that Moscow has taken the idea under advisement.
While that doesn’t mean it’s happening anytime soon, it hasn’t been ruled out either—a small but notable signal in high-stakes diplomacy.
Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange on the Horizon
Medinsky also touched on another significant development: an upcoming prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
According to him, a swap involving 1,000 prisoners from each side is currently in the works.
This could be one of the largest exchanges to take place since the beginning of the conflict, potentially serving as a confidence-building measure between the two countries.
Who Is Vladimir Medinsky?
For some context, Vladimir Rostislavovich Medinsky isn’t new to the Russian political landscape.
Born in Smila, in what is now Ukraine’s Cherkasy Oblast, Medinsky has worn several hats over the years—politician, academic, publicist, and former Minister of Culture from 2012 to 2020.
He holds the rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation and remains a key member of the United Russia party’s General Council.
His role as Russia’s chief negotiator in these talks underscores just how politically charged and sensitive the discussions are, with both nations still seeking a path forward amid a deeply entrenched conflict.