During the third round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations held in Istanbul on July 23, 2025, Ukraine officially proposed a high-level summit aimed at discussing a possible ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war. G.Business reports this, citing a press conference by the Ukrainian delegation following the meeting.
The proposed summit would include the presidents of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United States — Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Donald Trump. The Ukrainian side suggested the meeting take place in August, citing readiness from their partners and a strategic window before the end of summer.
“Only decisions made at the top level can bring real progress,” said Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian delegation.
Focus on ceasefire and humanitarian issues
Alongside the summit proposal, the Ukrainian delegation reiterated its willingness to initiate an immediate ceasefire, especially regarding strikes on critical infrastructure. Ukraine demanded that Russia halt its attacks on energy facilities, water systems, and civilian areas.
According to the briefing, progress was also made on the issue of prisoner exchanges. Russia reportedly agreed to return individuals who have been held in captivity for more than three years — including those who are seriously wounded, ill, or young.
“This is a standing offer. If Putin wants to meet tomorrow, Zelenskyi is ready,” said Heorhiy Tykhyi, a representative of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.
Turkey's mediator role and US timing
Prior to meeting the Russian side, the Ukrainian delegation held bilateral talks with President Erdoğan in Ankara. Turkey continues to support Istanbul as the venue for peace negotiations and sees itself as a neutral platform for diplomatic engagement.
Ukraine emphasized that the proposed summit should occur by the end of August, aligning with reported preferences from the Trump camp, which has signaled openness to participating in talks within that timeframe.
“We believe the recent positions of the United States and other Western allies will pressure Russia to seriously consider this proposal,” said Oleksandr Bevz, an advisor to the Office of the President.
Background: Istanbul peace process gains momentum
The July 23 meeting marked the third round of direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Istanbul. Previous rounds took place on May 16 and June 2, focusing on humanitarian issues, de-escalation, and diplomatic pathways.
The main agenda of the July round included:
- Arrangements for a potential top-level summit
- Prisoner exchange frameworks
- Return of abducted Ukrainian children from occupied territories
- Infrastructure protection and ceasefire terms
By proposing a summit with the participation of Trump and Erdoğan, Ukraine signaled not only its diplomatic initiative but also its strategic use of broader international engagement to apply pressure on Moscow.
Bleiben Sie informiert – Relevantes. Jeden Tag. Lesen Sie, worum es heute wirklich geht: Zelenskyi approves delegation for third round of negotiations with Russia: full list