Ukraine is attempting to restart peace negotiations with Russia, proposing a new round of talks for next week after discussions stalled in June. According to President Zelenskyy, Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov conveyed the proposal for a meeting to Russian representatives. Zelenskyy stated that all efforts should be made to achieve a ceasefire and that the Russian side must be willing to make decisions. Zelenskyy also expressed his readiness for a face-to-face meeting with Putin to ensure lasting peace. Russia has not yet responded. Umerov, who previously served as Defence Minister, was recently assigned to lead the National Security and Defence Council with the goal of revitalizing negotiations. He previously headed the Ukrainian delegation during talks in Turkey, where only a prisoner exchange agreement was reached. Russia previously demanded Ukraine cede territory and reject Western military support. Meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson acknowledged Zelenskyy’s call for more momentum in peace efforts, coinciding with mounting pressure from the United States, including a deadline for a ceasefire and the threat of sanctions.
