#thirdround

“We are working on priority issues. Our priority is always people, ceasefire and meeting of leaders.” ~ Rustem Umerov, National Security and Defense Council Secretary and leader of the Ukrainian delegation 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Ukrainian and Russian delegations held a third round of peace talks in Istanbul on July 23, with the meeting lasting less than an hour.

During the talks, Ukraine proposed holding a summit between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin before the end of August, according to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation.

“We are working on priority issues. Our priority is always people, ceasefire and meeting of leaders,” Umerov said after the talks.

According to Umerov, Ukraine and Russia agreed to conduct a humanitarian exchange involving more than 1,200 people. Zelensky previously identified the return of abducted Ukrainian children and an immediate ceasefire as key priorities in the talks.

Vladimir Medinsky, Putin’s aide and head of the Russian delegation, said Moscow proposed forming three working groups to meet online and address political, military, and humanitarian issues.

Commenting on a possible leaders’ meeting, Medinsky said it was crucial to first determine the topics for discussion.

The Ukrainian delegation also included Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, and deputy military intelligence chief Vadym Skybytskyi.

Read today’s full report at the link in bio.

Photo: Turkish Foreign Ministry / Handout /Anadolu via Getty Images

“Zelensky noted that the meeting would focus on three key issues: the return of prisoners of war, the return of abducted children, and preparations for a leaders’ summit.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . The third round of direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul will take place on July 23, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on July 21.

The previous round of talks took place on June 2 in Istanbul, following a May 16 meeting after a years-long freeze.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky noted that the meeting would focus on three key issues: the return of prisoners of war, the return of abducted children, and preparations for a leaders’ summit.

“The agenda from our side is clear,” Zelensky wrote on X. “It is clear to all that truly effective talks can only take place at the level of national leaders.”

Photo: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images