New Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Set For Wednesday: Zelenskyy

Russia and Ukraine will hold new peace talks on Wednesday as a follow-up to the two rounds of peace talks held in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The previous talks culminated in the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers.

"Today, I discussed with (Ukrainian Security Council chief) Rustem Umerov the preparations for the exchange and another meeting in Turkiye with the Russian side. Umerov reported that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday," Zelenskyy said in his daily address on Monday. 

The previous round of talks were held on May 16 and June 2 but no peace deal was achieved. Following the talks, Russia had released a memorandum stating that conditions for a ceasefire including the annexation of four more Ukrainian territory, disarmament of their military and control over its diplomacy. It also prevents Ukraine from joining the NATO military alliance. 

Ukraine has rejected all of Russia's demands and expressed donuts over Moscow’s intent for a ceasefire. 

The Kremlin released a statement on Monday asserting that both sides have opposing views on how to end this conflict. Zelenskyy, however, called for renewed talks at a gathering of his diplomats in Kyiv. He said that "The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia and the preparation of a leaders’ meeting," he said.

"We need greater momentum in negotiations to end the war," he added.

The Kremlin had also called for renewed talks after the United States president expressed support for Ukraine by boosting its weapons supply and giving Russia 50 days to negotiate a ceasefire or risk imposing heavier sanctions. 

The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia and the preparation of a leaders’ meeting," he said.

"We need greater momentum in negotiations to end the war," he added, reported AFP.