Zelensky Pushes for Direct Dialogue with Putin Amidst Ongoing Turmoil in Ukraine-Russia Talks

On Wednesday, Ukraine proposed that its President Volodymyr Zelensky engage in direct discussions with Russia’s Vladimir Putin within the next few weeks, although Moscow moderated expectations for any advancements during new negotiations in Istanbul on the same day.

A Russian representative indicated that his country was prepared to continue with the latest round of prisoner exchanges with Ukraine and suggested temporary ceasefires to facilitate the recovery of deceased and injured soldiers.

Turkey, the host nation, urged progress toward a sustainable ceasefire and a peace agreement, while the Kremlin downplayed hopes for a significant breakthrough after three and a half years of conflict.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, stated to the media, «Our top priority is to arrange a meeting between the presidents,» following the discussions.

He mentioned that Ukraine proposed these talks take place by the end of August, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also invited to participate.

Vladimir Medinsky, the chief negotiator for Russia, informed reporters about extensive discussions, but noted, «The positions remain quite far apart. We have agreed to keep the communication channels open.»

He shared that both nations have consented to conduct a prisoner exchange involving 1,200 individuals from each side and indicated that Russia would return the remains of 3,000 fallen soldiers to Ukraine.

«We have once again suggested to the Ukrainian side… to establish brief ceasefires lasting 24 to 48 hours along the contact lines so that medical personnel can retrieve the wounded and commanders can collect the bodies of their soldiers,» he added.

Putin indicated last month that the peace demands from both Russia and Ukraine are “absolutely contradictory,» yet he emphasized that the intention of ongoing discussions is to “bridge these gaps.»

Trump previously set a 50-day ultimatum for Russia to conclude the war or face sanctions; however, the Kremlin has not shown a willingness to negotiate.

Ahead of Wednesday’s negotiations, Moscow attempted to lower expectations. Peskov stated earlier this week that it would be «ill-advised» to anticipate a breakthrough or establish a timeline for a peace agreement, citing «numerous factors» complicating the talks.

On Tuesday, Peskov further diminished hopes, remarking, “No one expects an easy journey. Obviously, it will be a challenging conversation. [The peace proposals from Ukraine and Russia] are fundamentally opposed.»

Zelensky has consistently expressed his readiness for a one-on-one meeting with Putin, but the Kremlin has thus far dismissed this proposal, citing a 2022 decree signed by Zelensky that prohibits negotiations with Putin.

This year, Russia and Ukraine have conducted two rounds of direct peace discussions, the first occurring on May 16 and the second on June 2.

Although these meetings led to significant prisoner exchanges, there has been no forward movement towards a broader ceasefire or an end to Russia’s large-scale invasion that began in February 2022.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this article.