With summer rapidly coming to a close, Ukraine is making a bold diplomatic move.
Kyiv is calling for a historic four-leader summit aimed at finally putting an end to the devastating war with Russia.
And they want it to happen before the end of August.
This proposed meeting would bring together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and former U.S. President Donald Trump—yes, that Trump—at the same table.
The idea, first reported by Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, is part of a larger push toward a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations.
Civilian and Military Prisoner Swaps Show Signs of Progress
Recent talks in Istanbul have already shown glimmers of progress.
According to sources speaking with Russian news agency TASS, Russia and Ukraine have not only agreed to new military prisoner exchanges—but for the first time in months—they’ve also reached a deal on exchanging civilian detainees.
Ukrainian representative Rustem Umerov confirmed that Kyiv is ready to pause fighting if it means saving lives and building momentum toward peace.
He revealed that over 1,200 individuals are expected to be part of the upcoming humanitarian exchange.
Notably, Russia has agreed to release prisoners who have been in captivity for over three years.
Russia Floats Ceasefires and Digital Diplomacy
Meanwhile, Russia isn’t just showing up at the negotiating table—it’s bringing new ideas.
Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, laid out several proposals that could shape the next stage of talks.
Among them:
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Short humanitarian ceasefires lasting 24 to 48 hours to allow both sides to retrieve their wounded and fallen.
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An additional 1,200 prisoners of war ready for exchange.
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The proposed return of 3,000 bodies of deceased Ukrainian servicemen.
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And perhaps most notably, three virtual working groups to speed up talks without needing constant travel or in-person meetings.
The Summit Is on the Table—But Conditions Apply
As for the proposed summit, Medinsky made it clear that it won’t just be a photo op.
He said any direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin must be strategically planned, with a clearly outlined agenda and the promise of real outcomes.
In his words, it should serve as “the culmination” of the peace process—not just a starting point.
Despite these steps forward, some key issues still remain unresolved.
Formal agreements and memorandums between the two nations are still, in Medinsky’s words, “quite far apart.”
Ukraine Marks Ninth Major Prisoner Exchange
In the meantime, Ukraine continues its efforts to bring its people home.
President Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv has completed its ninth prisoner-of-war exchange since talks began under the Istanbul framework.
More than 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen have now returned home—many of whom had been in captivity for years.
And it’s not just soldiers. Russia has also processed a list of 339 Ukrainian children, with efforts underway to return those still in Russian-controlled territory to their families in Ukraine.
What Happens Next?
If Kyiv gets its way, August could mark a turning point in this brutal war.
But with so many moving parts—ceasefire deals, prisoner swaps, summit logistics, and deep political divisions—it remains to be seen whether the world will witness Putin, Zelensky, Erdogan, and Trump sit down at the same table.
Still, one thing is clear: after months of stalemates, there’s cautious hope in the air.
And that, in itself, is something worth watching.
