Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Ukraine After Prisoner Exchange

In a significant development, Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness for renewed peace negotiations with Kyiv, contingent upon the completion of prisoner and soldier body exchanges. This announcement follows a recent phone conversation with Donald Trump, adding a complex layer to the ongoing conflict.

The Proposed Talks

Putin informed Donald Trump that Moscow is prepared to engage in another round of peace talks with Kyiv, scheduled after June 22nd. The condition for initiating these discussions involves the finalization of the exchange of prisoners and the remains of soldiers. The two leaders discussed the escalating issues in the Middle East alongside the Ukraine peace talks during their 50-minute phone call, according to Putin‘s aide, Yuri Ushakov.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s leader, did not confirm whether his country would accept the next round of talks, simply mentioning that “the exchanges will be completed and the parties will discuss the next step.” He also expressed concern over potential reductions in Western aid. According to a recent report, military aid is vital: The U.S. has committed over $75 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the start of the war (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024).

Impact of Middle East Tensions

Zelenskyy has also stated that the spike in global oil prices following the strikes on Iran will benefit Russia, consequently strengthening its military capacity. He said that the surge in oil prices threatens Ukraine’s position on the battlefield, especially due to the allies not enforcing effective price caps on Russian oil exports. “The strikes led to a sharp increase in the price of oil, which is negative for us,” Zelenskyy said. “The Russians are getting stronger due to greater income from oil exports.”

Prisoner Exchanges and Battlefield Updates

Earlier in the week, Ukraine and Russia conducted their fourth prisoner swap. This is part of a broader scheme to return 1,000 wounded prisoners from each side and also recover the bodies of soldiers who had died. Zelenskyy noted that he hoped the exchanges would proceed until June 20th or 21st.

Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces reclaimed Andriivka village within the northeastern Sumy region. He also claimed “successful actions” near Pokrovsk, which has been a focus of Russian attacks. In addition, he highlighted “strong results” near Kupiansk, an area in northeastern Ukraine under heavy Russian pressure. Russia’s defence ministry, however, stated that its forces had seized Zelenyi Kut, southwest of Pokrovsk.