KYIV: The next set of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia — the first meeting in seven weeks — is planned for Wednesday in Turkiye, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quoted the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council as saying on Monday.

Zelensky’s statement followed his fresh appeal earlier in the day for greater momentum in negotiations.

The Kremlin said it was waiting for an understanding on the date of the talks, but acknowledged that the two sides were “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the war.

“Today I discussed with Rustem Umerov the preparation for a prisoner exchange and another meeting with the Russian side in Turkiye,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

“Umerov reported that the meeting is planned for Wednesday. More details will follow tomorrow.” Umerov, previously defence minister and appointed Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council last week, headed the first two rounds of talks with Russia.

An unidentified source had earlier told Russian state news agency TASS that negotiators may meet in Turkiye on Thursday and Friday.

Zelensky earlier ttold a gathering of his diplomats in Kyiv: “We need greater momentum in negotiations to end the war.” He added: “The agenda from our side is clear: the return of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a leaders meeting.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin , who is under increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to show progress towards ending the conflict, turned down a previous challenge from Zelensky to meet him in person.

Putin has repeatedly said he does not see Zelensky as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when his five-year mandate expired last year.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2025