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.
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