Goa, June 3 -- In a rare breakthrough amid ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a significant prisoner exchange and the return of thousands of fallen soldiers during direct negotiations held in Istanbul, Turkey. Despite the humanitarian progress, peace talks remain at a standstill.

The two delegations convened on Monday at the historic Ciragan Palace in Istanbul. Following the meeting, officials from both nations confirmed that the deal includes the exchange of all seriously wounded prisoners of war and captured soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. The agreement also covers the repatriation of the remains of over 6,000 soldiers who died in combat.

"We agreed to exchange all-for-all seriously wounded and seriously si...