The first direct Russia-Ukraine talks in years commenced in Istanbul, with Ukraine losing an F-16 fighter jet overnight (though the pilot safely ejected after downing three Russian targets). Morning negotiations began with "grim" US representatives joining Ukrainian and Turkish delegations before Russia's representatives arrived. By early afternoon, news emerged that Russia had presented "unrealistic" and "unacceptable" demands, reportedly including Ukraine ceding five oblasts. Despite this impasse, Defense Minister Umerov announced a significant breakthrough – an agreement on a "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner exchange. Following the talks, Zelensky and European leaders including Macron, Merz, Starmer and Tusk collectively called Trump.

Ukrainian officials maintained Russia's territorial demands were non-starters, with Umerov suggesting a Zelensky-Putin meeting should be the next step in negotiations. Evening analysis characterized the day as achieving only the prisoner exchange while failing to approach a ceasefire agreement.