Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the recent agreement on prisoner exchanges and the challenges in reaching a ceasefire agreement. Group 1: Negotiation Outcomes - Russia and Ukraine have reached a consensus on exchanging over 1,200 prisoners, with both sides currently exchanging 250 prisoners each as part of the second round of negotiations [3][4][5]. - Russia has returned over 7,000 bodies to Ukraine and is willing to return an additional 3,000 if Ukraine has sufficient freezing facilities [3][4]. Group 2: Ceasefire Discussions - Russia reiterated its position that the ceasefire discussions are still far apart, but both sides agreed to continue discussions at the delegation and working group levels [12][14]. - Ukraine has signaled a willingness to cease fire, particularly in relation to critical and civilian infrastructure, but no substantial breakthroughs have been achieved in ceasefire negotiations [15][16]. Group 3: Leadership Meeting Proposals - Ukraine proposed to hold a leaders' meeting by the end of August, inviting Turkish President Erdogan and former U.S. President Trump to participate [10][9]. - Russia stated that the timing for a leaders' meeting is not yet mature and emphasized that discussions on the ceasefire agreement must be completed first [6][7][8]. Group 4: Future Negotiations - Russia expressed a desire to hold a fourth round of negotiations with Ukraine and suggested the establishment of three working groups focused on political, humanitarian, and military issues [18][17].

Group 1 - Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed to Russia to hold negotiations next week to promote a ceasefire and address related issues, with ongoing communication regarding the exchange of prisoners and the remains of deceased personnel [1][2] - Zelensky emphasized the need to accelerate the negotiation process and stated that Ukraine is prepared for a leaders-level meeting, urging Russia not to "avoid making decisions" [1][2] - A Russian source indicated that Russia is "already prepared" for a new round of negotiations, suggesting that a specific date for talks will be finalized soon [2] Group 2 - Following Zelensky's proposal, large-scale mutual attacks occurred between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia launching significant airstrikes against Ukraine, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage [3][4] - Reports indicated that Russia fired over 300 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles during the attacks, with significant damage reported in the northeastern Sumy region and the port city of Odesa [3] - The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces intercepted and destroyed 40 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones during the night of the attacks, highlighting an increase in the scale of drone assaults [4]

Group 1 - The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the return of the second batch of Russian soldiers from captivity in Ukraine [1] - A batch of Ukrainian prisoners of war has also been returned [1]

Core Viewpoint - Belarus will continue to ensure the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, as confirmed by the Belarusian presidential press secretary [1] Group 1 - Belarus has facilitated all previous exchanges of prisoners and remains committed to supporting the current agreement [1] - The recent negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul led to an agreement for the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war [1] - Belarus has confirmed that the first phase of the prisoner exchange has been completed as of May 23 [1]