Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his call for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing war, as Russian forces launched deadly nighttime attacks on three Ukrainian cities, killing a child, officials reported. Zelenskyy emphasized that only high-level talks can address the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, as lower-level delegations lack the authority to bridge the vast gap between the two sides’ demands.

In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy stated, “Ukraine never wanted this war, and it is Russia that must end the war it started.” Despite his offer, Putin has consistently rejected face-to-face talks. The third round of negotiations, set for Wednesday in Istanbul, follows two previous rounds in May and June that facilitated prisoner and body exchanges but failed to secure broader agreements.

Russia continues its aggressive push along the 1,000-kilometer front line, deploying up to 700 drones nightly. Ukraine’s delegation, led by former Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, aims to secure the release of more prisoners and abducted children. However, with Putin’s reluctance to compromise and ongoing Russian assaults, hopes for a breakthrough remain dim.

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