Ukraine's Zelenskyy says new peace talks in Turkey on Wednesday
Zelenskyy's statement followed his fresh appeal earlier in the day for greater momentum in negotiations.
The Kremlin said it was waiting for an understanding on the date of the talks, but acknowledged that the two sides were 'diametrically opposed' in their positions on how to end the war.
'Today I discussed with Rustem Umerov the preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with the Russian side in Turkey,' Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.
'Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow.'
Umerov, previously defence minister and appointed Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council last week, headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia.
An unidentified source had earlier told Russian state news agency TASS that negotiators may meet in Turkey on Thursday and Friday.
Zelenskyy earlier told a gathering of his diplomats in Kyiv: 'We need greater momentum in negotiations to end the war.'
He added: 'The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders' meeting.'
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from U.S. President
Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskyy to meet him in person.
Putin has repeatedly said he does not see Zelenskyy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired last year.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far.'
Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and countries that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Going nowhere fast': Russia accuses US of stalling diplomatic efforts amid Ukraine war; Trump threatens new sanctions
Donald Trump (left), Vladimir Putin (AP) The Kremlin on Thursday said that attempts to restore bilateral ties, including efforts to resume normal embassy operations with the United States have seen a slowdown. 'So far, the process of normalizing (relations with the US) is going nowhere fast,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 'We'd like to see a bit more movement [in the talks], since that's what we're interested in,' reported news agency AFP. Peskov suggested that Washington was falling short, stating that the talks need 'initiative from both sides.' He added, "We would like to see more dynamics. We are interested in this. In order to move forward, we need impulses from both sides". The statement came a day after US Donald Trump expressed renewed frustration with Russia over its continued offensive in Ukraine. Trump criticized Putin for having 'nice and respectful conversations' while still 'launching rockets' at Ukrainian cities. He warned of additional sanctions and said secondary tariffs could be imposed if Russia fails to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 10 to 12 days. Peskov stated that the Kremlin had 'taken into account' Trump's latest ultimatum but chose not to comment on the possibility of new sanctions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo He added that the war against Ukraine would proceed despite the threats from Washington, according to the Moscow Times. Senior Russian officials have previously accused the White House of delaying efforts to restore diplomatic relations, including settling ongoing issues related to embassies and consular access. Moscow is pushing for the return of six diplomatic properties seized by the US between 2016 and 2018 in response to alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections. It has also asked for 'clearer answers' regarding its proposal to restart direct flights between Russia and the US. The Kremlin says US officials have linked the resumption of flights to progress on achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine. So far, Putin has rejected Trump's attempts to negotiate a truce.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
‘Work On America, Gramps': Putin's Ally To Senator Graham On Trump's Ukraine Truce Deadline
The fiery digital exchange came just hours after President Trump publicly reiterated his push for a ceasefire agreement. US Senator Lindsey Graham engaged in a sharp exchange with Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, on Monday, July 28. The heated interaction took place on X (formerly Twitter), following a stern ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to either strike a peace deal with Ukraine or face additional sanctions from Washington. Medvedev responded critically to Trump's ultimatum in a post, suggesting that the American president should stop playing what he called an 'ultimatum game." He warned that Trump must understand Russia is neither Israel nor Iran, an apparent reference to Trump's recent intervention in the Middle East, which led to a temporary ceasefire between those two nations. Medvedev cautioned, 'Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war, not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country." Senator Graham quickly countered the statement, issuing a firm warning of his own. 'To those in Russia who believe that President Trump is not serious about ending the bloodbath between Russia and Ukraine, you and your customers will soon be sadly mistaken," he wrote. He also brought attention to the political shift in the US leadership, adding, 'You will also soon see that Joe Biden is no longer president. Get to the peace table." Medvedev was dismissive in his reply to the senator, stating, 'It's not for you or Trump to dictate when to 'get at the peace table.' Negotiations will end when all the objectives of our military operation have been achieved." Taking a personal jab at Graham, he concluded with, 'Work on America first, gramps!" It's not for you or Trump to dictate when to 'get at the peace table'. Negotiations will end when all the objectives of our military operation have been achieved. Work on America first, gramps!— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) July 28, 2025 The fiery digital exchange came just hours after President Trump publicly reiterated his push for a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Since returning to the presidency for a second term, Trump has emphasised on resolving the prolonged conflict between the neighbouring countries, which has continued through drone attacks and escalating military strikes. During a recent visit to Scotland, President Trump shortened the original 50-day deadline he had given Russia, announcing a revised ultimatum. He warned that if Moscow fails to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within the next 10 to 12 days, it could face an intensified round of sanctions from the White House. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Cuddalore medical student in Russia says he's being forced to fight in Ukraine; family seeks Centre's help
The last time Kishore Saravanan's family heard from him was when he sent them a frantic voice message about being forcibly sent to the warfront in Ukraine. The 22-year-old from Palayamkottai in Cuddalore district had gone to Russia to pursue MBBS. He was previously arrested by the Russian police in 2023 in an alleged drug case, according to his family. Kishore's father, J. Saravanan, said his son had sent a voice message on July 12, saying the Russian government had forcibly enlisted him to fight against Ukraine. 'I could not contact him on his phone, and his friends informed me that he was taken away by the Russian police. Though my son refused to join the Russian army, he was beaten and forced to sign a few documents. He was also given a Russian identity card and passport,' Mr. Saravanan told The Hindu. Kishore's family has urged the Union government to ensure his safe return. 'Kishore was reportedly given training for 10 days, and is now being taken to the conflict zone. Though we contacted the Indian Embassy in Russia seeking assistance, there has been no response,' Mr. Saravanan said. He said Kishore, a third-year MBBS student at Volgograd State Medical University, was arrested on May 4, 2023. 'Kishore worked part-time in an online parcel service company, and was arrested with his Indian roommate and two Russians by after drugs were found in a parcel meant for delivery. The police were trying to force him to confess to the crime, but he refused to do so. We can't contact him now, and there is no information on his whereabouts. We don't know whether he is still alive or not,' he said. When contacted, Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar said the State government had escalated the issue, and the Ministry of External Affairs was in touch with the Indian Embassy. There had been no update so far, he said. VCK president and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and ensure Kishore's safe return. MDMK principal secretary and Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko also sought the Centre's intervention. In a letter to Mr. Jaishankar, Mr. Vaiko urged him to take up the issue with the Russian government at the highest level.
