Ankara: A new round of peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow is set to take place in Trkiye on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday. Zelenskyy noted the preparations for the meeting with the Russian side, emphasizing the importance of the discussions on prisoner exchange with his National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Rustem Umerov.
According to Anadolu Agency, Umerov reported the planned meeting for Wednesday, with more details expected to be announced soon. During a speech to Ukrainian ambassadors in Kyiv, Zelenskyy highlighted Umerov's proposal, stressing that effective talks can only occur at the national leaders' level. He encouraged diplomats to rally international support for this negotiation framework.
Russian authorities have not yet commented on Zelenskyy's announcement. However, the Russian state news agency RIA reported that the talks are scheduled for July 24-25, citing unnamed sources. Zelenskyy reiterated on X that Ukraine's agenda is clear and urged diplomats to inform host countries about the importance of the negotiation framework.
As Ukraine gears up for the potential third round of such talks, Zelenskyy outlined several diplomatic priorities. These include expanding international sanctions on Russia, securing additional air defense systems, and increasing the supply and funding for drones. He mentioned that while Ukraine has achieved global cooperation, new formats are necessary to progress further.
Zelenskyy also discussed the transformation of frozen Russian assets and legal arbitration victories into resources for Ukraine's defense. He mentioned ongoing coordination with President Donald Trump's administration on air defense and joint drone initiatives.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized Ukraine's partnerships beyond NATO and the EU, citing collaborations such as Ukraine-Northern Europe, Ukraine-Southeast Europe, the Crimean Platform, and a special partnership with Trkiye. The announcement comes after weeks of diplomatic contacts between the two sides, facilitated through Turkish channels.
Zelenskyy had previously indicated that Umerov proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia, affirming Kyiv's readiness for a leaders' level meeting to expedite the negotiation process. The initial two rounds of renewed direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2.
In the latest talks, both parties agreed to exchange additional prisoners of war, prioritizing the youngest and most severely wounded, and to return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side.