Russia and Ukraine edge closer to first talks in seven weeks

Russia and Ukraine are reportedly close to agreeing on a new round of peace talks in Türkiye this week, though the Kremlin stated that the two sides remain "diametrically opposed" in their positions on how to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged for greater momentum in negotiations, with key issues such as prisoner exchanges, the return of abducted children, and preparing for a leaders' meeting on the agenda.

Negotiators from both sides, who have not met for seven weeks, may gather in Istanbul on Thursday and Friday, according to an unnamed source cited by Russian state news. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions would focus on two opposing drafts presented by each side, but emphasized that Moscow would announce the date for the talks once the details were finalized.

While previous rounds of talks in May and June resulted in prisoner exchanges, no progress has been made towards a ceasefire or resolving the nearly four-year conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump warned last week that new sanctions would be imposed in 50 days if no agreement is reached.

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