New move for a ceasefire: Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the third round of peace talks with Russia is planned to be held in Turkey on Wednesday, July 23. In a video message posted on the X platform on the evening of July 21, he stated that he had discussed preparations for a prisoner exchange and the upcoming negotiations with former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. It was noted that Umerov said the meeting was scheduled for Wednesday.

KREMLIN: “NO MEANINGFUL RESULT SHOULD BE EXPECTED”

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in a statement regarding the negotiations, emphasized that “no miracle should be expected” from the outcome of the process. Peskov stated that meaningful progress seems difficult under current conditions.

TASS: MEETING IN ISTANBUL ON JULY 24

The Russian news agency TASS, citing sources close to the negotiations, wrote that the talks would be held in Istanbul on July 24. A source speaking to the agency stated that the delegations could arrive in Istanbul on July 23.

ZELENSKYY: “I AM READY TO MEET WITH PUTIN”

Zelenskyy also reiterated that he is ready to meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “A meeting at the leadership level is needed for peace to be truly achieved,” he said. This statement came immediately after air strikes launched by Russia on Ukraine, which resulted in the loss of three lives.

UKRAINE: MOST OF THE ATTACKS REPELLED

According to a statement by the Ukrainian military, more than 340 explosive and decoy drones, as well as 35 cruise and ballistic missiles, were used in the attacks. The statement indicated that most of this ammunition was neutralized.

NEW WEAPONS SUPPORT AND SANCTIONS WARNING FROM TRUMP

US President Donald Trump announced in a statement earlier this week that “high-level weapons systems” would be sent to Ukraine via NATO. Trump also said that if the war is not ended within 50 days, secondary sanctions of 100 percent would be imposed on Russia's trading partners.

WHO IS IN THE DELEGATIONS?

In a statement on his Telegram account on July 22, Zelenskyy announced that he had given instructions to form the delegation that will participate in the negotiations. As in previous meetings, the delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov. The delegation will include representatives from Ukrainian intelligence units, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President.

Umerov led the Ukrainian delegation in the previous two Istanbul meetings. He currently serves as the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

RUSSIAN DELEGATION COMING TO ISTANBUL WITH THE SAME NAMES

According to TASS, the Russian delegation will be led by Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky, as in previous rounds. The delegation will also include Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN PREVIOUS ROUNDS IN ISTANBUL?

The parties previously met in Istanbul on June 2. The Ukrainian side brought up the demand for an “unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea” for at least three months. In contrast, Russia proposed a partial “two or three-day” ceasefire to allow for the recovery of the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Additionally, the Russian side conveyed its demands for Ukraine to withdraw from certain territories and not to receive military support from the West.

RUSSIA CURRENTLY CONTROLS 20 PERCENT OF UKRAINIAN TERRITORY

Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, currently controls approximately 20 percent of the country. These regions include the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014.

News Source: 12punto