New Round of Peace Talks Announced
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Russia and Ukraine are set to hold another round of peace negotiations in Istanbul on Wednesday. This development, announced during his daily address, signals renewed efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian Security Council Chief Rustem Umerov is leading preparations for the meeting and for a potential prisoner exchange.

Background to the Proposed Meeting
The announcement comes after Zelensky called for new negotiations over the weekend, responding to international pressure for a ceasefire. Days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russia of “severe” sanctions if a ceasefire was not achieved within 50 days. Despite this push, the Kremlin has indicated it does not anticipate any significant breakthroughs from the upcoming talks.

Kremlin’s Cautious Outlook
Speaking during a press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue to pursue its interests and fulfil the objectives it set from the start of the invasion. He acknowledged the planned talks but offered no specific date, expressing doubt that the session would yield immediate results.

No Progress from Previous Talks
This upcoming meeting will be the third attempt at direct talks in Istanbul. Previous discussions in May and June ended without progress toward a ceasefire. Both Kyiv and Moscow remain divided on core issues, leaving little room for compromise. Despite this, Turkish officials have confirmed that Wednesday’s meeting will take place in the same venue as earlier negotiations.

Escalation on the Ground

Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine remains dire. In the eastern city of Kramatorsk, a child was killed when a Russian glide bomb struck an apartment building overnight. Local officials also reported that six areas of Kyiv suffered combined drone and missile attacks. The intensified Russian offensives have caused record numbers of civilian casualties in recent weeks.

Ukraine Pushes Back Against Offensives
Ukrainian military forces are actively resisting the assault. Over 50 attacks were repelled in the Pokrovsk area, a hotspot for recent Russian military activity. According to Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russian sabotage groups have even attempted to infiltrate the city.

Talks Expected to Span Two Days
Reports from Russia’s RIA news agency, citing unnamed sources, suggest the upcoming talks will last for two days—Thursday and Friday. The Turkish government has confirmed the date and location, noting it is consistent with previous negotiation venues.

Focus May Include Prisoner Exchanges
Senior Ukrainian officials have hinted that the meeting may center around further prisoner exchanges and possibly pave the way for a direct meeting between President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow continues to downplay any chance of concrete agreements emerging from the talks.

Trump Voices Frustration with Putin
Adding to the diplomatic tension, U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed disappointment with Putin during an interview with the BBC. Though critical of the Russian leader, Trump emphasized that his administration remains engaged in efforts to find a resolution.

Outlook Remains Uncertain
Despite renewed dialogue, optimism remains tempered. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov reiterated that both sides remain “diametrically opposed” on major issues, warning that extensive diplomatic work lies ahead. With the war stretching into its third year, this round of talks is yet another attempt in a long search for peace.

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