Ukraine Peace Talks: Zelenskyy Urges Russia to Meet NEXT WEEK!
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for renewed peace talks with Russia next week, amidst growing international pressure on Moscow to de-escalate the conflict. Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need to improve the dynamics of negotiations, emphasizing the importance of achieving a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchanges
During his daily address on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated that Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, proposed a meeting with the Russian side for next week. He stressed the necessity for Russia to address critical issues such as prisoner exchanges, the return of children, and the cessation of hostilities.
"The dynamics of the negotiations must improve. We need to do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire. The Russian side must stop avoiding decisions regarding prisoner exchanges, the return of children, and the cessation of killings,” Zelenskyy said. “A meeting at the leadership level is essential to genuinely secure peace. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting.”
Kremlin Responds: Peace After Achieving Goals
Russian state media outlet TASS confirmed receiving Kyiv’s proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia's willingness to move quickly toward a peace deal but reiterated that achieving Russia's objectives remains the primary goal.
Peskov told Russian media on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has repeatedly expressed his desire to transition the Ukrainian settlement process into a peaceful track as soon as possible. It’s a lengthy process that requires effort, and it’s not simple. And most likely, this is increasingly being understood in Washington.”
Sticking Points Remain
Past ceasefire talks, such as the one in Istanbul in early June, ended abruptly with Russia reportedly making maximalist territorial demands as preconditions for a ceasefire. Ukraine has consistently refused to consider any territorial concessions in exchange for peace.
The Kremlin insists any peace deal must include Ukraine's withdrawal from four annexed regions, renouncing its NATO aspirations, and accepting limitations on its armed forces – demands deemed unacceptable by Kyiv and its allies.
