Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul, where the exchange of prisoners, the return of the bodies of the dead, as well as the return of Ukrainian children were discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he received information from partners and intelligence about the Russian Federation's memorandum, which he considers to be an ultimatum. He promised to provide his position after reviewing the document.
Ukraine handed over to Russia a list of 400 illegally deported children, but the occupiers agreed to return only 10. According to the Russians, not 20,000 children were kidnapped, but about a hundred.
During the exchange of prisoners, not only soldiers, but also political prisoners and journalists may return home. Also, Ukraine is ready to hand over 6,000 bodies of Russians, but needs a thorough check.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the fiercest battles are ongoing in the Sumy and Pokrovsk directions. The Defense Forces are doing everything possible to disrupt the occupiers' plans.
President Zelenskyy stated that the exchange of bodies of the dead and ceasefire proposals are used by Russia to influence US decisions on sanctions, not for a real ceasefire.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian delegation at the negotiations became calmer, but the audacity remained. The President hinted that additional measures are needed.
The President of Ukraine supported Erdogan's initiative to meet in the format of four leaders. However, Zelensky expressed doubt that this would lead to a ceasefire.
The President stated that the military on the ground can exchange the bodies of the deceased themselves. This does not require complex negotiations at the level of state leaders.
The President of Ukraine announced that the Russians want a ceasefire for a few days. Also, according to him, a new exchange of prisoners is being prepared.
The President of Ukraine and the Secretary General of NATO discussed increasing pressure on Russia and preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine's representation at the summit.
The President of Ukraine met with the Prime Minister of Norway, discussing support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and investments in the defense industry. The parties also emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Gitanas Nausėda in Vilnius. They discussed sanctions pressure on Russia, European integration, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Turkey plans to initiate a summit with the participation of Zelensky, Putin and, possibly, Trump, after negotiations in Istanbul. Erdogan expressed his readiness to organize a meeting in Ankara or Istanbul.
Following the negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine believes that a meeting of leaders is necessary to resolve key issues. It also submitted a list of children for return and awaits a response.
The NATO Summit should send a clear signal of support for Ukraine and renew commitments to collective defense. Lithuania will increase defense spending to 5% of GDP in 2026.
The President of Ukraine announced the completion of negotiations in Istanbul. According to him, a new large-scale exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia is being prepared.
The Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul put forward demands for a ceasefire, the return of prisoners and children, as well as a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. Russia did not provide its document.
International consulting company Colliers believes that the election of Karol Nawrocki as President of Poland will not change the country's economic growth forecasts, but the cost of his promises will affect investment attractiveness.
The Presidents of Ukraine and Poland discussed bilateral relations, diplomatic work and the importance of pressure on Russia. Duda assured of support for Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. They discussed investments in Ukrainian arms production and scaling up the "Drone Line" project.
The Ukrainian defense industry has the potential to produce 10 million drones annually. Deputy Minister of Defense Kozenko called for cooperation with foreign companies to develop production.
Putin has no veto power over NATO decisions. It is important to reaffirm that the Alliance is strong and Europe will not renounce its security.
Zelenskyy stated that in the event of no results from the meeting of Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, it is necessary to urgently introduce the 18th package of sanctions. The sanctions should be concentrated on the oil and banking sectors.
NATO Secretary General stated that peace is impossible without lasting security for Ukraine. Support for Ukraine to win the war will be discussed at the summit in Vilnius.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's attempts to combine a counteroffensive with diplomacy are an opportunity for Ukraine to end the war. He emphasized the importance of supporting defense capabilities.
The SBU special operation "Web" hit 4 military airfields of the Russian Federation, 41 aircraft were hit, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22 M3 and Tu-160. The cost of the affected aviation is over $7 billion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine hopes for positive decisions in Istanbul regarding a complete ceasefire and the return of prisoners. He emphasized the importance of these issues.
The Bucharest Nine summit will discuss providing Ukraine with everything it needs to fight. The Russian Federation is a long-term threat to NATO, so it is important to make the necessary decisions.
The President of Ukraine has arrived in the capital of Lithuania to participate in the summit of the "Bucharest Nine" countries and the Nordic countries. Bilateral meetings with summit participants are also planned.