Ukraine Calls for New Peace Talks with Russia, Seeking Ceasefire

Following the stagnation of negotiations last month, Ukraine has proposed a fresh round of peace talks with Russia, with a meeting potentially taking place next week. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Rustem Umerov, the Defence Council Secretary, extended the offer to Russian negotiators. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire. He also reiterated his willingness to meet with Putin directly to secure lasting peace. There has been no immediate response from Russia. Umerov, recently appointed as the head of the National Security and Defence Council, previously led Ukraine’s delegation in talks earlier this year in Turkey. These prior discussions resulted in limited progress, mainly an agreement to exchange prisoners. Russia, in past rounds, made demands Ukraine deemed unacceptable, including ceding territory and rejecting Western military aid. However, a shift occurred when a Kremlin spokesperson indicated Moscow’s agreement with Zelenskyy’s statement that peace efforts needed more momentum. This development follows increased pressure from the United States, with a 50-day deadline set for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face significant tariffs and sanctions.