According to reports from Reuters, the US has taken intensive steps to resume peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. However, as noted, Moscow gives no signs of changing its position on this matter.
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Peace talks. Zelensky will meet with Erdogan
In the context of these activities, two high-ranking representatives of the American military arrived in Kiev: Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff, General Randy George. During their unannounced visit, they are scheduled to hold talks with Ukrainian commanders, parliamentarians and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit comes as Russia steps up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine and Kiev's Western allies seek new ways to provide military support.
On the same day, President Zelensky is scheduled to meet Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. The aim of the talks, as announced by the Ukrainian president, is to “reinvigorate the negotiations”. In his Tuesday speech, Zelensky emphasized that “doing everything possible to bring the end of the war closer is Ukraine's most important priority.”
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Russia sets tough peace conditions
In turn, Russia sets tough conditions for the truce. Moscow demands, among other things, withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporozhye oblasts within 30 days of concluding the agreement, as well as Ukraine's neutrality, reduction of the size of its army and holding new parliamentary and presidential elections. Kyiv categorically rejects these demands, demanding the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
The last round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place on July 23 in Istanbul.
