Kyiv, July 19, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for renewed efforts toward securing a ceasefire with Russia, emphasizing the need to accelerate the pace of negotiations amid ongoing conflict.
Speaking in his Saturday evening address, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Rustem Umerov, has proposed a new round of direct talks with Russia for next week. The proposal, according to Russian media reports, has been received and acknowledged by Moscow’s negotiating team.
To date, two direct negotiation rounds have been held this year in Istanbul, with Umerov leading the Ukrainian delegation. During the most recent meeting in June, both sides exchanged draft proposals outlining their respective visions for a peace agreement and agreed on future prisoner exchanges.
“Negotiations must move faster. We must do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire,” Zelensky urged, underlining the urgency of diplomatic resolution.
Moscow has since affirmed its readiness to resume dialogue, though substantial differences remain on key issues surrounding sovereignty, territorial control, and security guarantees.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as both nations brace for continued military pressure and as international actors call for restraint and meaningful progress toward peace.
