Zelensky Calls for Talks With Putin as Peace Efforts Stall

Ukraine's Leader Vows to 'Push Russia to Peace' as Both Sides Exchange Prisoners

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KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on Aug. 24 that a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would be "the most effective way forward" as the two sides exchanged prisoners and the country celebrated Independence Day.

Kyiv's general said that Ukrainian troops had recaptured three villages in its Donetsk region that had fallen under Russian control. And Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russia, triggering a fire at a nuclear power plant.

After a push by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a Ukraine-Russia summit, hopes for peace dimmed when Russia on Aug. 22 ruled out any immediate Putin-Zelensky meeting.

But Mr. Zelensky on Aug. 24 said the "format of talks between leaders is the most effective way forward," renewing calls for a bilateral summit with Mr. Putin.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier accused Western countries of seeking "a pretext to block negotiations" and slammed Mr. Zelensky for "demanding an immediate meeting at all costs."

Mr. Zelensky, speaking at a ceremony attended by Western officials including U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg — whom he awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit — vowed "to push Russia to peace."

On Aug. 24, Ukraine and Russia said they had each sent back 146 prisoners of war and civilians in the latest of a series of swops that remain one of the few areas of cooperation between the rivals.