Ukraine Seeks New Peace Talks with Russia Amid Stalled Negotiations

Ukraine's Proposal for Peace Talks

Ukraine has put forth a proposal to initiate a new series of peace discussions with Russia, scheduled for next week, following a halt in negotiations last month. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the Defence Council, has extended an invitation for a meeting with Russian representatives. In his evening address to the nation, Zelenskyy emphasized, “All efforts must be directed towards achieving a ceasefire.”

He urged the Russian side to stop evading crucial decisions. Zelenskyy also expressed his willingness to engage in direct talks with President Putin, stating, “A leadership-level meeting is essential for establishing lasting peace.” As of now, there has been no immediate reaction from the Russian government.

Umerov, who was appointed last week as the head of the National Security and Defence Council, is expected to invigorate the negotiation process. He previously led Ukraine's delegation in two rounds of talks held in Turkiye earlier this year, which resulted in minimal outcomes, primarily an agreement on prisoner exchanges.

In earlier discussions, Russia presented a series of stringent demands that Ukraine found unacceptable, including the cession of four regions claimed by Russia and a rejection of Western military assistance.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated on Friday that Moscow concurred with Zelenskyy’s assertion that peace efforts require “greater momentum.” This change in stance followed increased pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially seemed to favor a more conciliatory approach towards Russia.

This week, Trump imposed a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning of “100 percent tariffs” and potential secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil if they fail to comply. He also pledged to enhance arms supplies to Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on Thursday that Russia would not yield to what she termed the “blackmail” of Washington’s sanctions ultimatum, asserting that the decision to resume arms deliveries was intended to signal Ukraine to “abandon the peace process.”