File photo

 

In a bid to rekindle peace efforts, Ukraine has proposed a new round of talks with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the initiative, emphasising the need to restart negotiations that had been stagnant since last month.

 

Senior security official Rustem Umerov offered to meet with Russian counterparts next week, according to Zelensky’s evening address. The Ukrainian leader repeated his call for a ceasefire as a priority.

 

Zelensky also expressed his willingness to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated, “A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace.”

 

The proposal coincides with the ongoing unrest in Ukraine, where overnight attacks targeted ten regions, including multiple cities. Zelensky reported that Ukraine’s military intercepted many of the 340 drones and 35 missiles used against them.

 

In the background, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to bolster Ukraine’s defence with advanced weapons through NATO allies. He issued an ultimatum to Russia, threatening severe tariffs if a peace deal isn't brokered within 50 days.

 

Trump further warned of 100% secondary tariffs on Russia's trade partners should they delay an agreement with Ukraine.

Previous negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul failed to yield a ceasefire, though they did result in prisoner exchanges and arrangements for retrieving fallen soldiers’ remains.

 

After the recent setback in early June, Ukrainian negotiators lamented Russia’s refusal to agree to an “unconditional ceasefire.” Russia’s demands included Ukrainian territorial concessions and a cessation of Western military support.

 

Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately obstructing peace efforts to ensure future meetings prove unproductive.

The ongoing conflict traces back to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine, which includes Crimea that was annexed in 2014.

 

Ukraine remains persistent in its pursuit of peace, striving to bring stability and security to its citizens amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-21

 

 

It's been rumored that one of the demands Putin has made to Trump concerning an end to this conflict would be a return of Alaska to Russia. I've heard Trump is considering it and trying to negotiate a big, beautiful sale price with him. 😁

Zelensky should have talked 12 months ago but got brave with so called western allies. To late for talking after all the killing of Ukrainian & Russian soldiers. Mr Putin will win the battle with Zelensky locked up with Netanyahu & the rest 

3 hours ago, WDSmart said:

It's been rumored that one of the demands Putin has made to Trump concerning an end to this conflict would be a return of Alaska to Russia. I've heard Trump is considering it and trying to negotiate a big, beautiful sale price with him. 😁

It's not a rumor!  I heard Trump gave Putin Alaska for free, but it came with the stipulation that Putin also must take (the lefty nut case) Rosie O'Donnell.  Putin told Trump "F**k You, we have enough of those lefty retards in Russia already, no deal".  It would have been a great deal for America but sadly Rosie was non-negotiable for Putin.

10 hours ago, WDSmart said:

It's been rumored that one of the demands Putin has made to Trump concerning an end to this conflict would be a return of Alaska to Russia. I've heard Trump is considering it and trying to negotiate a big, beautiful sale price with him. 😁

Wow that is silly.

7 hours ago, cheerz said:

locked up with Netanyahu & the rest 

whose the rest? What does that Hero of Western Civilization, Benny, have to do with this topic btw? Random jew hating ?

Territorially, draw a line down from Kharkov to Dnepr then down the Dniper river to the sea. The Ukrainians can keep Odessa. No Nato Membership.

 

Europe has woken up, all can work with that. Then figure out Kaliningrad.