Ukraine, Russia set for fresh peace talks despite ongoing attacks
By Skylar DeBose
Ukraine and Russia are expected to begin a new round of peace talks this Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the talks today, just hours after Russia launched overnight attacks on three Ukrainian cities. Tuesday’s assaults killed a child and injured 24 others.
“Today, I discussed with [Ukrainian Security Council chief] Rustem Umerov the preparations for a prisoner exchange and another meeting in Turkey with the Russian side,” Zelenskyy said on Monday.
He confirmed that Umerov said the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. Ukraine is demanding the return of abducted children and the release of prisoners.
Moscow has not officially commented on the talks.
However, the Russian news agency RIA quoted a source saying the meetings could stretch into Thursday and Friday. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the two countries are “diametrically opposed” and that “a lot of diplomatic work lies ahead.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. has pledged to send weapons to Ukraine by selling them to NATO countries, which will then transport them to Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump supports Ukraine but sharply criticizes Putin’s refusal to reach a peace deal.
On July 14, Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face sanctions.
Despite Trump’s warnings, Russia launched drones and missiles on Ukraine on July 15 and 16, killing five people and injuring at least 43 others.
The war in Ukraine has lasted over three years.
According to the United Nations, more than 13,000 civilians in Ukraine have died since Russia invaded in February 2022.
