Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a fresh round of peace negotiations with Russia, aiming to revive talks that stalled last month. The announcement comes amid renewed Russian airstrikes that killed at least three people and targeted multiple regions across Ukraine.

In his nightly address, Zelensky said senior security official Rustem Umerov had extended an offer to meet Russian representatives next week. “Everything must be done to secure a ceasefire,” the president stated, reaffirming his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face. “A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace.”

The proposal followed a massive overnight barrage in which Russia launched more than 340 drones—some armed, some decoys—along with 35 cruise and ballistic missiles. According to Ukraine’s military, a significant number were intercepted, but damage and casualties were still reported across 10 regions.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines earlier this week by pledging “top-of-the-line weapons” for Ukraine via NATO, while threatening Moscow with steep tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. Trump also vowed to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia’s remaining trade partners if negotiations fail.

Two earlier rounds of peace talks held in Istanbul made limited progress. While agreements on prisoner swaps and the return of fallen soldiers' remains were reached, Russia rejected Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire. In turn, Moscow pushed for territorial concessions and an end to Western military support for Kyiv.

Zelensky previously accused Russia of sabotaging negotiations. “Moscow is doing everything it can to ensure the next possible meeting is fruitless,” he said following the last round in June.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and currently controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

BOB Post