**Ukraine and Russia to Resume Peace Talks on July 23**
The stage is set for another round of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, with the two sides scheduled to meet in Istanbul on July 23. The announcement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address on July 21.
According to Zelensky, the preparation for the meeting has been underway, with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reporting that the talks are scheduled for Wednesday. The president emphasized that the agenda for these talks will focus on three key issues: the return of prisoners of war, the return of abducted children, and preparations for a leaders’ summit.
**A Glimmer of Hope or Just More Talks?**
The upcoming meeting marks the third round of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. The first two rounds took place on June 2 and May 16, following a period of over three years without negotiations. While these talks may seem like a step forward, it’s essential to note that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly declined to participate in person, instead sending lower-level officials.
Moscow spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia supports the next round of talks but claimed no final date had been agreed upon. However, he also stated that there would be “no changes” to the Russian delegation, which continues to be led by Putin’s aide, Vladimir Medinsky. The lack of top Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in these negotiations raises questions about Russia’s commitment to genuine talks.
**A Leaders’ Summit: A Necessary Step?**
Zelensky has consistently emphasized that truly effective talks can only take place at the level of national leaders. This perspective is shared by many experts who believe that a summit between Zelensky and Putin is necessary for meaningful progress. The idea of such a meeting was even floated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who suggested organizing a joint meeting with possible participation from U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, Russia’s war goals remain unchanged, according to Peskov, and are intended to be achieved “on the battlefield.” This stance is at odds with Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which has been supported by the United States but rejected by Russia.
**A Path Forward: Uncertainty Remains**
As the international community watches these developments, it’s essential to recognize that the path forward remains uncertain. The rejection of Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and Russia’s continued reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations suggest that a breakthrough is unlikely. Nevertheless, these talks provide an opportunity for both sides to reiterate their positions and potentially find common ground.
As we await the outcome of this next round of talks, it’s crucial to remember that true progress will only come from genuine engagement between national leaders. Until then, the people of Ukraine and Russia remain stuck in a cycle of conflict, with no clear end in sight.
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