State Department calls for total ceasefire amid Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul
US Department of State (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of State supports a complete and unconditional ceasefire, including an end to all strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure, states the State Department’s Deputy Press Secretary Tommy Pigott.
He noted that the department continues to encourage direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and, ultimately, an agreed peaceful settlement.
Pigott said that they supported further calls for a full, unconditional ceasefire and emphasized Ukraine’s calls for a complete, unconditional ceasefire, including a full halt to all strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure.
He added that the State Department also welcomed reports that Russia and Ukraine have agreed on another prisoner exchange, particularly involving those who are seriously ill or wounded.
When asked whether the department views the third round of negotiations as a missed opportunity given the intensified Russian attacks and the absence of a ceasefire on the agenda, Pigott stated that President Donald Trump has clearly spoken out many times regarding Russia’s actions, especially in recent weeks, and has been very consistent and open on this.
The State Department’s Deputy Press Secretary concluded that Trump had repeatedly said they wanted the parties to continue direct negotiations to achieve a ceasefire — a comprehensive ceasefire — and ultimately, an agreed peaceful settlement.
Peace talks in Istanbul
On Wednesday, July 23, the delegations of Ukraine and Russia held the third round of negotiations in Istanbul aimed at ending the war.
The talks lasted over an hour. As a result, the parties agreed to work on a further prisoner exchange.
Specifically, the plan includes the return of people held captive for more than three years, as well as young, seriously ill, and wounded individuals.
Additionally, the Ukrainian side proposed that both sides mutually stop strikes on critical infrastructure and hold a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin by the end of summer.
The Ukrainian delegation also outlined three key demands for the negotiations in Istanbul.
For more details about the new round of talks in Istanbul, see the article by RBC-Ukraine.
