Image Credentials: Image Title: Ukraine-Russia Talks Set for Wednesday in Turkey: Zelenskyy Confirms Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: July 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
LONDON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian negotiating teams will meet again in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday for the third round of talks in recent months. This follows intense diplomatic activity and growing international pressure for a ceasefire between the two nations.
The announcement was made during Zelenskyy’s nightly video address on Monday. The Ukrainian leader disclosed that he had spoken with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council head, earlier that day. The meeting, according to Zelenskyy, will be the first official diplomatic engagement since President Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
“I spoke with Umerov today, and the meeting is planned for Wednesday,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that further details would follow in the coming days. Sources from Russia’s state TASS news agency corroborated this information, while the RIA news agency reported that the talks would extend to Thursday and Friday.
This week’s discussions mark the third direct round of talks between the two warring nations, with previous meetings held in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2, 2024. These sessions, while producing positive steps like prisoner exchanges, have not resulted in a breakthrough on a ceasefire or a comprehensive peace agreement.
Despite pressure from the Trump administration and Western allies, Russia has yet to commit to an immediate ceasefire. President Putin, in previous statements, has emphasized that various issues need to be resolved before any pause in fighting can be agreed upon. Zelenskyy’s government, on the other hand, has remained firm in its stance that Russia must end the war it started.
Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s primary goals for the upcoming talks: the return of prisoners, the safe return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces, and the preparation of a potential in-person meeting between him and President Putin. Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Umerov, with representatives from Ukraine’s intelligence services, foreign ministry, and the president’s office also in attendance.
“We are transparent about our position,” Zelenskyy emphasized. “Ukraine never wanted this war. It is Russia that must end the war that it started.”
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s ultimatum for Russia to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days, warning that Russia’s position on the matter had not changed. “Everyone is already used to his rather tough and straightforward rhetoric,” Peskov remarked. “At the same time, he confirms his intentions to do everything possible to contribute to a peaceful settlement.”
While acknowledging the possibility of future talks between President Trump and Putin, Peskov suggested that such discussions would occur after “a huge amount of work” had been done to achieve major agreements.
The expectations for this week’s talks in Istanbul are tempered, particularly among Ukrainian officials. Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and chair of the foreign affairs committee, voiced his skepticism. “I don’t expect much from this meeting, but we’ll see. At maximum, I hope it will bring us closer to resolving the situation,” Merezhko commented.
As the talks approach, the world watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough to end the 1,243-day conflict that has brought immense suffering to Ukraine and rattled global security.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.