For hours Friday, a crowd of hopefuls stood on the roadside wrapped in blue-and-yellow flags and clutching photos of captured Ukrainian soldiers — their eyes peeled for any sign of buses. On board would be the first batch of Ukrainian troops released in the largest exchange of the war with Russia thus far — the only outcome of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul last week that failed to result in a ceasefire.

Following phone calls with US President Donald Trump and several European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced uncertainty over Rus.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the possibility of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner of war exchange has been discussed with Russia. Ukraine also raised the issue of releasing political prisoners and journalists.

This is a difficult and sensitive process that requires clear coordination of all state structures,” Umerov said in a statement posted to Facebook. He added that the Council of the Coordination Staff — a body that brings together key institutions including the Defense Ministry,