Zelenskyy forms new team for Russia talks, names Security Secretary as lead negotiator
Photo: Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the formation of Ukraine's delegation for negotiations with Russia on July 23. The team will be led by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, according to Zelenskyy's post on X.
The head of state held a meeting ahead of negotiations with the Russian side in Türkiye.
Umerov reported on the implementation of the agreements reached during the second meeting with the Russian side in Istanbul, as well as on the arrangement for a new meeting in the near future. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to work toward the release of prisoners and the return of abducted children, as well as ending the killings and preparing a meeting between the leaders.
"Our position is fully transparent. Ukraine never wanted this war, and it is Russia that must end the war that it started," the President added.
Furthermore, the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, reported on the coordination of diplomatic efforts with partners in Europe and the United States.
"I instructed that a delegation be formed for negotiations with the Russian side. The delegation will be headed by Rustem Umerov and will include representatives of Ukrainian intelligence, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, and the Office of the President," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Ukraine-Russia negotiations
Ukrainian and Russian delegations have already held two rounds of negotiations in Istanbul. The main achievement of these meetings was the organization of large-scale prisoner exchanges, as well as the exchange of bodies of fallen soldiers.
According to Zelenskyy, the third round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23. It will also be held in Istanbul.
According to the Ukrainian President, the main topics of the negotiations will be the return of prisoners and children, as well as a possible meeting between the leaders.
In addition, the Kremlin expressed support for the third round of negotiations with Ukraine. Moscow claims it intends to discuss memorandums on ending the war during the meeting.
