Ukraine proposes fresh peace talks with Russia next week
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Two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv have failed to result in any progress towards a ceasefire, instead yielding large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers.
'Security Council Secretary Umerov also reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week,' Zelensky said in his evening address. 'The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up,' he added.
Zelensky reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sit-down with Putin.
'A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace – lasting peace,' he said.
02:08
Trump threatens Russia with 100% 'secondary' tariffs if no deal on Ukraine ceasefire
Trump threatens Russia with 100% 'secondary' tariffs if no deal on Ukraine ceasefire
At talks last month, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support.
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