Russia, Ukraine Set for Fresh Peace Talks in Turkey

Russia, Ukraine Set for Fresh Peace Talks in Turkey.
Zelensky confirms ongoing preparations; details expected Tuesday.
Kremlin still demands territorial concessions, NATO withdrawal by Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine and Russia will resume peace negotiations on Wednesday, marking a fresh attempt to end the ongoing war that has devastated both countries for over two years.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in his Monday night address, Zelensky said he had discussed preparations with Ukrainian Security Council chief Rustem Umerov. “Today, I discussed with Rustem Umerov the preparations for the exchange and another meeting in Turkey with the Russian side. Umerov reported that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,” he said.

He added that further details on the upcoming dialogue would be disclosed on Tuesday.

This follows two previous rounds of talks held in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2, both of which ended without any concrete progress. Despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been urging both parties to reach a ceasefire, no significant breakthrough has been made.

So far, negotiations have yielded only agreements on prisoner swaps. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its military campaign, including increased airstrikes and territorial advances in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin has maintained its position, demanding Ukraine relinquish control over four regions in addition to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Moscow also insists Kyiv must abandon any plans to join the NATO alliance — a condition Ukraine has flatly rejected.

Zelensky’s administration remains sceptical about Russia’s intentions, doubting Moscow’s commitment to a genuine ceasefire.

The Kremlin has shown renewed interest in talks following Trump’s ultimatum last week, giving Russia 50 days to reach a peace deal or face renewed heavy sanctions. Trump also announced the resumption of arms supplies to Ukraine.

“There’s still a lot of diplomatic work to be done,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday, admitting the road to a breakthrough remains uncertain.