Russia is pleased with the outcome of negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul.

According to RIA Novosti, the first talks between Russia and Ukraine after three years of conflict concluded in Istanbul on May 16. They agreed on a major prisoner exchange and prepared detailed proposals for a ceasefire.

The talks began at 1:39 p.m. (Istanbul time) and lasted nearly two hours. When the delegations left the room, it was unclear whether the dialogue had ended or if there would be a next round of negotiations.

"Overall, as the initiators of the negotiations, we are satisfied with the results and are ready to continue contact," said Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian negotiating delegation.

The parties have agreed on the largest prisoner exchange in three years: 1,000 for 1,000. This compares to the previous maximum of 246:246.

According to Medinsky, Ukraine requested a meeting between the heads of state, and Moscow considered the request.

"We agreed that each side would present its vision for a future ceasefire. They will elaborate on the details," Medinsky said.

This topic was the most discussed in the media even before the meeting. Kyiv even declared that they did not want to hear anything other than a 30-day ceasefire. Moscow repeatedly explained that Russia was not opposed to a ceasefire, but as President Vladimir Putin said, "there are nuances."

First, it remains unclear who and how will monitor compliance with the ceasefire. Furthermore, the Kremlin has doubts about the Ukrainian army's ability to maintain control, as has been demonstrated by the experience of the Donbass conflict since 2014.

Russia views the current dialogue format as a resumption of negotiations in March 2022, but with adjustments to suit the changed situation.

Currently in Istanbul, as Mr. Medinsky stated, the Russian delegation has “quoted and reiterated” the conditions they agreed upon with Ukraine in Gomel in the early days of the conflict.

"It is very important to reiterate what we agreed upon in Gomel at the end of February 2022. And how things could have ended if Ukraine had agreed to peace at that time. They did not agree, they delayed. That means the next phase of the agreements took place in Istanbul," Medinsky explained.

According to The Guardian, British Prime Minister Jonathan Powell's advisor has been appointed as an advisor to the Ukrainian side. Following a meeting of the delegations, sources indicate that President Zelensky called US President Donald Trump. Also present were French leader Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The US president has not ruled out the possibility of discussing talks with Russian President Putin. Currently, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations remain in Istanbul.