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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Ukraine and Russia poised to hold peace talks
The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "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," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "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. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "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," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "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. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "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," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "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. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in seven weeks are imminent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. Zelenskiy quoted a senior Kyiv official as saying the talks will be held in Turkey on Wednesday. Russia's state TASS news agency reported a source in Turkey had also said the talks would take place on Wednesday. However the RIA news agency, also quoting a source, said they would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The Kremlin said it was waiting for confirmation of the date of the talks but said the two sides were "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war. Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Monday that he spoke with Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, in preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with Russia in Turkey. "Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow," Zelenskiy said. Umerov, previously defence minister, was appointed to his current role last week and headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia. Ukraine has backed US calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow says certain arrangements must be put in place before a ceasefire can be introduced. Russian forces have launched sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including missiles and hundreds of drones on Monday night that killed two people and injured 15. Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks. "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," Zelenskiy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has said he does not see Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. "There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "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. The Kremlin says Ukraine must abandon four regions Moscow says have been incorporated into Russia. Trump said last week he would impose new sanctions in 50 days on Russia and nations that buy its exports if there is no deal before then to end the conflict. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking in Kyiv after talks with Zelenskiy, noted Russia's refusal to implement an immediate ceasefire as well as its "maximalist" demands. "Discussions must begin, but on a basis that respects the interests of both parties, because diplomacy is not submission," he told a news conference. "And diplomacy begins with meetings at the level of heads of state and government, something Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for." Barrot said he favoured devising an even tougher sanctions package if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire.
India Today
8 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Ukraine peace talks to resume in Turkey on Wednesday, says Zelenskyy
The next set of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia - the first meeting in seven weeks - is planned for Wednesday in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quoted the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council as saying on statement followed his fresh appeal earlier in the day for greater momentum in 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 "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 unidentified source had earlier told Russian state news agency TASS that negotiators may meet in Turkey on Thursday and 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 US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskyy to meet him in 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 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 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.- EndsMust Watch
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Ukraine's Zelensky says new peace talks in Turkey on July 23
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for greater momentum in negotiations to end Russia's war in Ukraine. KYIV - The next set of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia - the first meeting in seven weeks - is planned for July 23 in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quoted the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council as saying on July 21. Mr Zelensky'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,' Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address. 'Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow.' Mr 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 July 24 and 25. Mr Zelensky 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 US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Mr Zelensky to meet him in person. Mr Putin has repeatedly said he does not see Mr Zelensky as a legitimate leader because Ukraine - which is under martial law because of Russia's invasion - did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired in 2024. 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.
Daily Maverick
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Ukraine's Zelenskiy says new peace talks in Turkey on Wednesday
Zelenskiy quotes official as saying new talks in Turkey on Wednesday Ukrainian president had called for more momentum in talks Kremlin says two sides have 'diametrically opposed' positions Zelenskiy'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,' Zelenskiy 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. Zelenskiy 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 Zelenskiy to meet him in person. Putin has repeatedly said he does not see Zelenskiy 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.
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ukraine's Zelenskyy says new peace talks in Turkey on Wednesday
The next set of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia – the first meeting in seven weeks – is planned for Wednesday in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quoted the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council as saying on Monday. 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.
