Ukraine proposes fresh peace talks with Russia next week, president Zelensky says – following weeks of relentless missile strikes by Putin

Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia following weeks of relentless missile strikes, President Zelensky has said. 

In his evening address to the nation, the Ukrainian leader said ‘everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire’ and that the pace of negotiations should increase. 

It comes less than 24 hours after NATO was forced to scramble war planes over Poland in response to a fresh wave of attacks on key strategic cities in Ukraine.

The negotiations would take place next week and follow two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv that failed to make any progress towards a ceasefire. 

‘Security Council Secretary Umerov also reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week,’ Zelensky said in his evening address.

‘The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up,’ he added.

Zelensky also reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sit down with Putin.

‘A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace – lasting peace,’ he said.

Vladimir Putin is pictured attending a meeting in Moscow on July 18

At talks last month, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support.

Kyiv dismissed them as unacceptable and at the time questioned the point of further negotiations if Moscow was not willing to make concessions.

The Kremlin said earlier this month it was ready to continue talks with Ukraine after US President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal or face sanctions.

Trump also pledged to supply Kyiv with new military aid, sponsored by NATO allies, as its cities suffer ever-increasing Russian aerial attacks.

Russian strikes on Ukraine claimed another three lives Saturday.

This is a breaking news story more to follow