19.07.2025 21:40
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that they have proposed to hold the third round of negotiations with Russia next week, saying, "The dynamics of the negotiations must be increased. Everything must be done to ensure a ceasefire. The Russian side must stop avoiding its decisions." Zelensky also reiterated his view that a meeting at the leaders' level is necessary to achieve peace.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed that the third round of negotiations with Russia be held next week.
"WE CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENTS REACHED AT THE LAST MEETING IN ISTANBUL"
Zelensky stated in a post on his Telegram account that discussions on prisoner exchanges with the Russian side are ongoing, saying, "We continue to implement the agreements reached at the last meeting in Istanbul. The team is currently working on another exchange."
OFFER OF NEGOTIATIONS TO RUSSIA
Stating that former Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov brought the proposal for the third round of negotiations with Russia to the table, Zelensky said, "The dynamics of negotiations must be increased. Everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire. And the Russian side must stop avoiding its decisions."
"UKRAINE IS READY FOR A MEETING AT THE LEADERS' LEVEL"
Zelensky reiterated his view that a meeting at the leaders' level should be held to achieve peace, stating, "Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."
SEARCH FOR PEACE IN ISTANBUL BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
The hope for peace in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine was brought back to the agenda with two rounds of peace negotiations held in Istanbul in May and June 2025. In the meetings hosted by Turkey, the parties reached a limited agreement on certain issues, while it was seen that there is still a long way to go for a permanent ceasefire.
The first round of negotiations took place on May 16, 2025, at the Dolmabahçe Working Office. The meeting resulted in decisions on prisoner exchanges and the return of abducted Ukrainian children, as well as the opening of humanitarian corridors. While no agreement was reached on a large-scale ceasefire or peace plan, the parties agreed to meet again to work at a technical level.
The second round of negotiations was held on June 2 at the Çırağan Palace. In the approximately one-hour meeting, a principle agreement was reached on the exchange of soldiers under the age of 25 and severely ill prisoners. Additionally, mechanisms for the return of deceased soldiers' bodies were agreed upon.
On the other hand, both sides exchanged draft documents containing their own proposals. Russia presented a "memorandum" proposal to Kiev, while Ukraine offered a roadmap that included a 30-day ceasefire.
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