Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Saturday that Kyiv has proposed holding a new round of peace negotiations with Russia next week, as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled since early June.
In his nightly address, Zelensky revealed that Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had suggested the fresh meeting. “Security Council Secretary Umerov also reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week,” Zelensky said. “The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated his willingness to meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating: “A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace – lasting peace.”
Previous rounds of talks in Istanbul failed to achieve a ceasefire, though they did facilitate large-scale prisoner swaps and agreements to repatriate soldiers’ remains.
The negotiations broke down after Moscow presented demands that Ukraine cede additional territory and sever all Western military ties – conditions Kyiv dismissed as unacceptable. Ukrainian officials had previously questioned continuing talks unless Russia showed willingness to compromise.
The Kremlin signaled earlier this month it remained open to dialogue, particularly after United States President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum giving Russia 50 days to reach a peace agreement or face renewed sanctions. Trump also promised additional NATO-backed military aid for Ukraine.
The diplomatic developments come as Russian aerial attacks continue pummeling Ukrainian cities. Strikes on Saturday killed three more civilians, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution even as both sides appear entrenched in their positions.
With the proposed talks, Ukraine seeks to revive stalled negotiations while maintaining its stance against territorial concessions. However, the wide gap between both sides’ conditions casts doubt on prospects for a breakthrough.
