Pakistan, May 17 -- In a rare moment of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each during their first direct talks in over three years. The meeting, held at Istanbul's historic Dolmabahce Palace, brought together top officials from both countries, marking a small step forward despite no agreement on a ceasefire.

Chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the discussions lasted less than two hours. While the short meeting didn't produce a breakthrough, the prisoner exchange deal was welcomed as a humanitarian gesture. Many observers saw this as a sign that dialogue remains possible, even as the war continues to rage on.

United States President Donald Trump has urged both sides to end the con...