Zelenskyy Renews Putin Meeting Offer as Ukraine Talks Resume Amid Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his offer to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, although hopes for progress remain low as the two sides prepare for a third round of talks in Istanbul. Russia continues its military offensive, striking multiple Ukrainian cities and causing civilian casualties, including the death of a child. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine never wanted the war and insists that Russia must end the conflict it started, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that significant work remains before any high-level meetings can take place, dampening expectations for a summit. Ukrainian officials have expanded their delegation to 14 members, adding representatives from the Ukrainian Ombudsman and the Armed Forces General Staff, while the Russian delegation remains unchanged. Western and Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of using negotiations to stall and gain time to capture more territory, currently holding about 20% of Ukraine. Despite efforts, including by the Trump administration, the talks have so far yielded limited outcomes beyond prisoner exchanges, with both sides maintaining far apart demands.