Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Saturday that Ukraine has proposed a new round of talks with Russia next week, aiming to accelerate negotiations and secure a ceasefire. The proposal was made by Rustem Umerov, newly appointed secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, who previously led Ukraine’s delegation in June talks in Istanbul that initiated a major prisoner exchange. Zelenskiy urged Russia to stop delaying decisions, emphasizing the need for swift progress.

While a precise date for the talks remains uncoordinated, Russia’s Tass news agency cited an unnamed source confirming discussions are ongoing. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted on July 17 that Moscow awaits Kyiv’s proposals for a third round of negotiations. Zelenskiy also expressed readiness for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and highlighted Ukraine’s interest in implementing agreements with U.S. President Donald Trump on air defense and new weapons, alongside plans to export drones.

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