Ukraine is pushing for direct talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to inject new momentum into diplomatic efforts to end the four-year invasion. Kyiv's top diplomat, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed that Ukraine has asked Turkey and other countries to facilitate and host such a summit, excluding Russia and Belarus.
Stalled US-Led Mediation
This diplomatic push follows a period where US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv have made little progress on key issues and are currently on hold. Zelensky has previously expressed frustration, stating that Trump's envoys visiting Putin and not Kyiv is 'disrespectful'. The Ukrainian leader is now seeking a direct meeting to break the deadlock.
Renewed Violence
Concurrently, a Ukrainian drone attack deep inside Russia struck a residential building in Syzran, resulting in the deaths of a woman and a child, and injuring 12 others. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility despite diplomatic efforts.
Analysts suggest that President Putin believes time is in Russia's favour, anticipating a decline in Western military and financial support for Ukraine. This perception has hardened Moscow's stance, making direct negotiations more challenging but also more critical for Kyiv.
