**Ukraine Sets Priorities for Next Round of Peace Talks with Russia**
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined the country’s key priorities for the upcoming third round of direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul. The agenda from Ukraine’s side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and preparation for a leaders’ meeting.
According to Zelensky, these three issues are crucial for meaningful negotiations between the two countries. He emphasized that effective talks can only take place at the level of national leaders, suggesting that direct communication between heads of state is essential for finding common ground.
**A Glimmer of Hope?**
The announcement comes after Ukraine proposed resuming talks with Russia, with newly-appointed National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov extending an invitation to Russian representatives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow’s support for holding a third round of talks but noted that no date has been agreed upon.
Peskov also stated that there are no changes on the Russian side in the negotiating group, with presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky continuing to head the delegation. Notably, top officials such as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remain absent from the process.
**A Year-Long Freeze and No Deal Yet**
The last round of talks took place on June 2 in Istanbul, following a May 16 meeting that ended a years-long freeze. Since March, Ukraine has proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, backed by the U.S. However, Russia rejected this proposal in both rounds of talks in Turkey, instead pushing for a short “truce” to retrieve dead bodies.
Despite efforts to negotiate a peace agreement, no deal has been reached. Zelensky’s consistent support for face-to-face negotiations and push for a leaders’ summit contrast with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s avoidance of in-person participation.
**Turkey’s Role in Facilitating Talks**
Turkey remains one of the only countries with open lines to both Kyiv and Moscow. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on June 26 that Ankara is working to organize a Zelensky-Putin meeting, potentially involving U.S. President Donald Trump. While Russia’s goals remain unchanged, Peskov reiterated that they aim to achieve these objectives “on the battlefield.”
As tensions persist, international pressure mounts on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire and pursue peace talks in earnest. With Ukraine setting clear priorities for the next round of talks, the prospects for a breakthrough may finally be within reach.
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