Ukraine has proposed restarting peace negotiations with Russia next week, aiming to revive dialogue after talks stalled in June, according to Al Jazeera.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov extended a fresh invitation to Russian negotiators for a new round of discussions. “Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address. “The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions.”
The Ukrainian President also reiterated his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin directly. “A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure lasting peace,” he added.
Russia has not yet officially responded to the latest proposal.
Umerov, recently appointed as Defence Council Secretary, previously led Ukraine’s delegation in two rounds of negotiations held in Turkiye earlier this year. While those talks produced minor agreements on prisoner and body exchanges, they failed to deliver a breakthrough on broader issues.
Past discussions were hindered by Russia’s hardline conditions, including demands for Ukraine to cede control over four regions claimed by Moscow and to reject Western military aid — terms Kyiv firmly opposes.
However, signs of a potential diplomatic opening emerged after Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged on Friday that Moscow agreed with Zelenskyy’s call for renewed momentum in peace efforts.
International dynamics are also influencing the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump this week issued a stern ultimatum to Moscow — reach a ceasefire within 50 days or face “100 per cent tariffs” and secondary sanctions targeting countries that purchase Russian oil. Trump also pledged increased arms support to Ukraine.
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova denounced Washington’s move as “blackmail,” claiming the pressure was designed to push Ukraine away from dialogue and toward prolonged conflict.
Despite growing international involvement, Kyiv appears determined to pursue a path toward ceasefire and conflict resolution, with hopes now pinned on whether Moscow will agree to return to the table.
