By Real News Hub Staff | May 24, 2025
MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Friday that Moscow plans to present a draft peace agreement following the completion of a major prisoner exchange, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic efforts regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov indicated that Russia views the prisoner exchange as a confidence-building measure that could pave the way for more substantive peace negotiations. The exchange, which reportedly involves hundreds of prisoners from both sides, is expected to take place within the coming weeks.
“We believe that humanitarian gestures such as prisoner exchanges create the necessary atmosphere for serious diplomatic work,” Lavrov stated. “Following this exchange, Russia will be prepared to present our vision for a comprehensive peace settlement.”
Details of the proposed prisoner swap remain limited, though diplomatic sources suggest it could be one of the largest such exchanges since the conflict began. The International Committee of the Red Cross is reportedly facilitating the negotiations for the exchange.
Lavrov’s comments come amid renewed international pressure for diplomatic solutions, with several countries offering to mediate peace talks. The Russian foreign minister emphasized that any agreement would need to address what Moscow considers its “fundamental security concerns.”
Ukrainian officials have not immediately responded to Lavrov’s announcement, though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that any peace negotiations must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The timing of Lavrov’s statement coincides with increased diplomatic activity, including recent conversations between various world leaders about potential pathways to peace. However, significant gaps remain between the stated positions of both sides.
International observers have cautiously welcomed news of the prisoner exchange while expressing skepticism about broader peace prospects. The United Nations has called for all parties to prioritize humanitarian concerns and the protection of civilian populations.
“While we welcome any steps that can alleviate human suffering, sustainable peace will require addressing the root causes of this conflict,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement.
The announcement also comes as military activities continue along various front lines, with both sides reporting ongoing engagements despite the diplomatic developments.
Western officials have indicated they are monitoring the situation closely, with several NATO allies emphasizing that any peace agreement must be negotiated directly between the parties involved rather than imposed by external forces.
The proposed peace accord draft’s contents remain unknown, though previous Russian proposals have included territorial concessions and security guarantees that Ukraine has rejected as unacceptable.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available about both the prisoner exchange and the proposed peace initiative.
