Ukraine proposes leaders' meeting with Trump and Erdoğan in August at Istanbul talks
Ukraine has proposed holding a leaders’ meeting by the end of August that would be attended by Turkish President Recep Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump.
Source: Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, at a briefing following the meeting of the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul on 23 July, as reported by European Pravda, citing Suspilne
Details: During the meeting with the Russian delegation in Istanbul on Wednesday, the Ukrainian side once again proposed hosting a leader-level meeting in August.
Bevz recalled that Ukraine had suggested a leader-level meeting at the initial Istanbul meeting, but it never materialised.
Quote from Bevz: "We have proposed a leaders’ meeting again this time, because we recognise that it’s only at this level that fundamental issues can be resolved.
The Ukrainian delegation suggested holding this meeting in August. Why? Because any date within this window aligns with the vision of our partners, notably the United States, and the deadline set by President Trump for reaching a solution."
The Ukrainian side also affirmed its readiness for a ceasefire, particularly with regard to strikes on critical and civilian infrastructure. Rustem Umierov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, said the parties had also discussed the next stages of prisoner and civilian exchanges.
The Russian side agreed to the return of prisoners who have been held captive for over three years, particularly the seriously wounded and the young.
Umierov highlighted that over 1,200 people will participate in the humanitarian exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
He added that no concessions were secured regarding the ceasefire, with groups now focusing on priorities in regard to the prisoner exchanges and planning the leaders’ meeting.
Background: On the evening of 23 July, the third round of peace talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations commenced in Istanbul, Türkiye.
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