Ukraine-Russia war: Zelensky Pushes for New Peace Talks Amid Escalating Missile Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended a fresh invitation to Vladimir Putin for peace talks, aiming to end the long-running Ukraine-Russia war, even as Russian missile and drone strikes continue to pound Ukrainian cities.
This move follows a sharp escalation in Moscow’s assault, including a barrage of more than 300 drones and 30 missiles launched late Friday.
The fresh wave of attacks has deepened the crisis, putting additional pressure on Kyiv to respond diplomatically.
“Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire,” Mr Zelensky said in a televised national address. “The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions.”
The Ukrainian leader, visibly weary but resolute, revealed that he proposed holding new ceasefire negotiations next week, though he declined to provide specific dates or locations.
So far, the Kremlin has not issued an official response.
The offer was reportedly delivered through Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation during the two previous rounds of talks in Istanbul.
Though those meetings led to a few prisoner exchanges, they failed to make progress on halting the nearly three-and-a-half-year conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
This latest overture from Zelensky may signal a shift in tone — a push for urgency after weeks of relentless bombardment from the Russian side.
While Kyiv continues to defend its territory militarily, there’s now a renewed emphasis on diplomacy, likely spurred by the worsening toll of the war.
In the US, former President Donald Trump has taken a more aggressive stance on the crisis. Earlier this month, he warned of “harsher sanctions” on Moscow if a peace deal isn’t brokered within 50 days.
It’s unclear what direct impact this might have on Russia’s decision-making, but the political pressure is growing.
The international community continues to watch closely, with Zelensky’s new offer placing the ball firmly in Putin’s court.
Whether this turns into real progress or becomes yet another stalled attempt remains to be seen. But for now, Ukraine is talking — and waiting.
