(Ukraine, 20th) Ukrainian President Zelensky said that Ukraine has proposed to Russia to hold a new round of talks next week. This will be the first attempt by both sides to resume direct negotiations in over a month.
According to Bloomberg, Zelensky revealed in a national address on Saturday (July 19) that the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Umerov, has officially put forth the suggestion to the Russian side. Umerov, who just took office the previous day, previously served as Ukraine's Defense Minister and led the last round of direct negotiations with Russia in June, which initiated a large-scale prisoner exchange.
Zelensky said: "The pace of negotiations must be accelerated... Every effort must be made to achieve a ceasefire. The Russian side should stop avoiding key decisions."
He added that both sides are currently negotiating another round of prisoner exchanges, aiming to implement the agreement reached earlier in Istanbul.
In addition to calling for renewed contact with Russia, Zelensky also mentioned a cooperation agreement with US President Trump regarding air defense systems and new weapons, emphasizing Ukraine's hope for speedy implementation of the related outcomes. He also stated that Ukraine now possesses the capability to export drones.
Zelensky reiterated his hope to meet directly with Russian President Putin, saying: "Ukraine is ready to hold such talks at any time."
According to Bloomberg, Zelensky revealed in a national address on Saturday (July 19) that the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Umerov, has officially put forth the suggestion to the Russian side. Umerov, who just took office the previous day, previously served as Ukraine's Defense Minister and led the last round of direct negotiations with Russia in June, which initiated a large-scale prisoner exchange.
Zelensky said: "The pace of negotiations must be accelerated... Every effort must be made to achieve a ceasefire. The Russian side should stop avoiding key decisions."
He added that both sides are currently negotiating another round of prisoner exchanges, aiming to implement the agreement reached earlier in Istanbul.
In addition to calling for renewed contact with Russia, Zelensky also mentioned a cooperation agreement with US President Trump regarding air defense systems and new weapons, emphasizing Ukraine's hope for speedy implementation of the related outcomes. He also stated that Ukraine now possesses the capability to export drones.
Zelensky reiterated his hope to meet directly with Russian President Putin, saying: "Ukraine is ready to hold such talks at any time."