Ukraine has suggested holding a fresh round of discussions with Russia next week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday, following a halt in negotiations earlier this month.
Previous talks in Istanbul between the two sides did not lead to a ceasefire but instead facilitated large-scale prisoner swaps and agreements to repatriate fallen soldiers.
Zelenskyy, in his nightly speech, stated that Rustem Umerov, the country’s security council secretary, had proposed another meeting with Russia for the coming week.
“The pace of discussions should increase,” he added.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed his willingness to meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “Higher-level talks are necessary to secure genuine and lasting peace.”
During last month’s negotiations, Russia presented stringent conditions, including demands for Ukraine to surrender additional territory and cut all military ties with Western nations.
Ukraine rejected these terms as unworkable and had previously questioned the purpose of further talks if Moscow remained unwilling to compromise.
Earlier this month, the Russian government indicated it was open to continuing dialogue with Ukraine, following a statement from Donald Trump, who had set a 50-day deadline for the two sides to reach an agreement.
The U.S. leader also promised additional military assistance to Ukraine, backed by NATO partners, amid ongoing air attacks by Russian forces.
On Saturday, Russian airstrikes in Ukraine resulted in three more fatalities.
Read next
Bolivia Probes Ex-President Evo Morales for Suspected Involvement in 2009 Killings
The Bolivian attorney general has initiated an investigation into former leftist president Evo Morales, citing allegations of his involvement in the murder and torture of European nationals in 2009.
In 2009, police conducted a raid on a Santa Cruz hotel, resulting in the deaths of Eduardo Rózsa Flores, a Bolivian-
Argentina Closes Iguazu Falls Temporarily Due to El Niño-Induced Water Surge
Heavy rainfall driven by a potent El Niño weather pattern temporarily led Argentinian authorities to close tourist access to the renowned Iguazu Falls. The closure occurred due to concerns that rising water levels might cause the river to overflow its banks.
On Monday, national park officials implemented this precautionary measure
Mysterious Drones Strike Two Vessels Near Bulgarian Coast – Europe Live
Morning Update: Two Ships Targeted by Drones Off Bulgarian Coast
This morning, two ships in the Black Sea near Bulgaria were struck by drones of unknown origin. The attack led to the sinking of one vessel and initiated emergency rescue operations, as reported by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Rescue