The diplomatic momentum of Istanbul peace talks yielded tangible results with Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a major prisoner exchange of 1,000 people. This breakthrough followed sequential meetings where Turkey first hosted Ukraine-US talks in the morning, then Ukraine-Russia negotiations. President Erdoğan, speaking from Albania where he attended the European Political Community summit, emphasized Turkey's role as "pioneer of peace diplomacy" and described being at a "critical juncture" for silencing weapons in Ukraine.

The "Terror-free Turkey" narrative continued with Erdoğan declaring it would be "our greatest achievement" while AK Party Spokesman Çelik confirmed it as "state policy." Officials indicated "weapons will be laid down."

In domestic news, businessman Kemal Şahin was arrested on bribery charges related to Büyükçekmece Municipality corruption investigation, while Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler faces up to 67 years imprisonment according to a new indictment. The Supreme Court upheld the 16-year prison sentence for the police officer who killed Berkin Elvan.