Ukraine proposes new peace talks with Russia next week
Zelensky said that a leadership-level meeting is necessary to truly ensure peace
Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks to Russia next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday in an attempt to revive negotiations that have been stalled since early June.
The two rounds of negotiations held in Istanbul Between Moscow and kyiv, no progress was made toward a ceasefire, but agreements were reached on the exchange of prisoners and the return of bodies of dead soldiers.
Zelensky insists on meeting Putin in person
The secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, “proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week,” Zelensky said in his evening address. “We need to accelerate the momentum of the negotiations,” he added.
Zelensky also reiterated his willingness to sit down face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that “a leadership-level meeting is necessary to truly ensure peace.”
Russian Demands, U.S. Sanctions Threats, and Ukraine Questioning
At last month’s talks, Russia outlined a list of tough demands, including that Ukraine cede more territory and reject all forms of Western military support.
Kyiv called these unacceptable ultimatums and questioned the point of continuing negotiations if Moscow was unwilling to make concessions.
The Kremlin said earlier this month it was willing to continue talks with Ukraine, after US President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to reach a peace deal or face sanctions.

