In a development during the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, Russia has agreed to return approximately 6,000 frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv. Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky announced that the remains, identified through DNA testing, will be handed over by next week to allow for proper burials .

The agreement also encompasses the exchange of all gravely wounded and seriously ill prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25. Both sides have committed to a "1,000-for-1,000" prisoner swap, with the possibility of increasing the numbers. To facilitate ongoing exchanges, permanent medical commissions will be established to compile reports and draw up exchange lists without awaiting major political decisions .

Despite these advancements, the talks concluded without a ceasefire agreement. Russia rejected Ukraine's proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, offering instead a limited 2-3 day truce along parts of the frontline to retrieve soldiers' bodies.

Additionally, Ukraine presented a list of 339 children allegedly abducted and taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territories, emphasizing their return as non-negotiable under international law. Russia committed to discussing the return of only 10 children, highlighting ongoing tensions and the complexity of the negotiations.