Zelensky proposes fresh peace talks with Russia next week

KYIV: Kyiv has proposed to Moscow a new round of peace talks next week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, hours after Russian strikes across Ukraine claimed more lives.

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Two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv have failed to result in any progress towards a ceasefire, instead yielding large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers.

"Security Council Secretary Umerov... reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week," Mr Zelensky said in his evening address. "The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," he added.

Mr Zelensky reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sit-down with Mr Putin. "A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace - lasting peace," he said.