MOSCOW / ISTANBUL

Ukraine proposed that Russia organize a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by late August, the head of the Ukrainian delegation at peace talks in Istanbul said Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference following the talks between the two countries, which lasted less than an hour, Rustem Umerov said that Russian acceptance would demonstrate constructive engagement to all partners.

"We've stated our expectations here. We've suggested possible discussion topics and indicated we could prepare the agenda accordingly," he said.

According to Umerov, Kyiv also expects "further progress" on exchanges of prisoners between the two countries.

"Ukraine is ready for ceasefire and peace talks," he said, describing a comprehensive, unconditional ceasefire as the foundation for diplomacy.

"We are prepared here and now for a ceasefire and substantive peace negotiations. We expect the other side to take this most basic step toward peace," he added.

Umerov also thanked Türkiye for its mediator role in contacts with Russia.

"We thank Türkiye for its facilitating role. It is an important platform for dialogue and peace," he said.

A member of the Ukrainian delegation, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, said the Russian side accepted requests for the release of people held captive for over three years, while Heorhii Tykhyi, a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Ukraine has zero preconditions for declaring a ceasefire.

Yuriy Kovbasa, a representative of Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, confirmed ongoing work regarding prisoners of war.

"We called on Russia to release those held captive for over three years, and the Russian side has agreed, especially regarding wounded prisoners and similar cases," he said.