Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kyiv has proposed fresh peace talks with Russia next week, following a stall in negotiations since early June.
Previous rounds of talks held in Istanbul failed to achieve a ceasefire, though they resulted in prisoner exchanges and agreements to return the remains of fallen soldiers.
“Security Council Secretary Umerov has proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week,” Zelensky said in his evening address, emphasizing the need to “step up the momentum of negotiations.”
He also 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.”
