Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that he has instructed Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, to form Kyiv's delegation for the upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks set to take place in Istanbul. The delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and will include representatives from Ukrainian intelligence, the Foreign Ministry, and the President's Office.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decision follows a meeting between Zelenskyy, Yermak, and Umerov. During the meeting, Umerov reported on the progress of agreements reached during the second round of talks held in Istanbul last month and the plans for a new meeting soon. Yermak provided an update on Kyiv's diplomatic efforts with European partners and the United States, emphasizing Ukraine's readiness to work on securing the return of prisoners of war, establishing a ceasefire, and preparing for a leaders' meeting.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's stance on the conflict, stating that the country never wanted the war and that it is Russia's responsibility to end it. His statement came after a video address on Monday evening, where he announced an upcoming round of peace talks in Trkiye on Wednesday.

The Ukrainian President discussed with Umerov the preparations for a prisoner exchange and the forthcoming meeting in Trkiye. Umerov confirmed that the meeting is planned for Wednesday, with more details to follow.

Russian authorities have yet to officially respond to Zelenskyy's remarks from Monday. Previous peace talks between Russia and Ukraine occurred in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2. During the latest discussions, both sides agreed to exchange additional prisoners of war, focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded, and to return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side.

Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky led Moscow's delegation during the previous talks, with Umerov leading Ukraine's delegation under Trkiye's facilitation. On Monday, the Kremlin confirmed there would be "no changes" in the composition of Russia's delegation, with Medinsky continuing as the head.