Ukraine and Russia Plan Peace Talks in Turkey This Week

Russia and Ukraine will meet formally for the first time in seven weeks on Wednesday for peace negotiations in Turkey.

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the plan after a meeting with Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council.

Zelenskiy said the talks will focus on key issues such as the return of prisoners of war, children taken by Russia, and preparing for a possible meeting between national leaders.

Although Russia has not yet officially confirmed the date, Russian state news agencies report that the talks may extend over two days, on Thursday and Friday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said both sides have submitted very different proposals and remain far apart on how to end the war.

Despite past negotiations resulting in prisoner swaps, the two sides have not made real progress toward a ceasefire. Ukraine supports U.S. calls for an immediate ceasefire, but Russia insists that certain conditions must be met first.

Recent attacks have increased. Russian forces launched missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities, killing two people and injuring 15 on Monday night. Ukraine has replied with long-range drone strikes.

President Zelenskiy has often invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in person, but Putin has declined. He argues that Zelenskiy is not a legitimate leader because of expired elections during martial law.

Western leaders are watching closely. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kyiv and stated that diplomacy should start with respect for the interests of both sides. He also urged for stronger sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to a ceasefire.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if no peace deal is reached within 50 days, new sanctions will be imposed on Russia and on countries that support its trade.

The world hopes that the new round of talks in Turkey can lead to progress in ending the nearly three-and-a-half-year war.