In Istanbul, the Ukrainian and Russian sides reached an agreement on the exchange of not only military personnel, but also civilians. Negotiations of the delegations have already concluded.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine continues negotiations with Russia in Istanbul for the sake of lasting peace, expressing readiness for a ceasefire and a meeting of leaders. The Ukrainian delegation seeks to return all deported persons, including children, and insists on a complete ceasefire.
Negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations have started in Istanbul. The Ukrainian side intends to discuss the return of prisoners, children, a meeting of leaders, and a complete ceasefire.
A short preparatory meeting took place in Istanbul with the participation of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Ukrainian delegation aims to discuss the return of prisoners, children, and a complete ceasefire.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian team is already holding meetings in Turkey. The priority of negotiations with the Russians is to prepare a meeting of leaders.
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian side. The talks are scheduled for 7:00 PM, Ukraine aims to discuss the return of prisoners, children, and a meeting of leaders.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a meeting in Istanbul with the Director of the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey, Ibrahim Kalin. The parties discussed issues of the defense industry and the return of prisoners, as well as Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The Ukrainian delegation discussed with Turkish President Erdogan a possible meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the USA, Turkey, and Russia. The goal is to move to real negotiations on ending the war and returning abducted people.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will insist on an immediate ceasefire and an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure during negotiations in Turkey. Restoration work continues in the Sumy region after a Russian drone attack that left more than 220,000 subscribers without electricity.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The security situation, regional stability, and defense cooperation were discussed.
Mykhailo Podolyak stated that a real breakthrough in negotiations with Russia is possible only with strong military and sanctions pressure. The Istanbul format plays a humanitarian role and prepares the ground for future negotiations at the leaders' level.
Turkey has reached agreements with Great Britain and Germany on the acquisition of dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This will strengthen Ankara's defense in an unstable region, where it is also negotiating the purchase of F-16s.
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Turkey for negotiations with Russia, which will begin around 7:00 PM. The meeting in Istanbul is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, under the leadership of Rustem Umerov.
Dmytro Peskov stated that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin is possible only after the memorandums are agreed upon. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, has departed for Istanbul for negotiations.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, departed for Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian side. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Çırağan Palace.
Germany has approved a preliminary request for the supply of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. The aircraft, a joint project of BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, will be built in the United Kingdom with German components.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree No. 539/2025, established a delegation for peace negotiations with international partners and Russia. The negotiations will take place on July 23, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey, under the leadership of Rustem Umerov.
President Zelenskyy announced the third round of negotiations with the Russian Federation in Istanbul on July 23, with Rustem Umerov leading the Ukrainian delegation. Ukraine insists on a truce and proposes a meeting of leaders with the participation of international mediators.
July 23 marks World Sjögren's Syndrome Day, established by the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, and World Whales and Dolphins Day, initiated by Greg Kaufman. Christians also commemorate the holy martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and their companions, who lived in Lycia in the 3rd century.
Turkey hopes that the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will take place in Istanbul this week. Turkey's goal is to ensure that the dialogue between the parties continues.
The Kremlin stated the need for thorough preparation for a possible meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov noted that it is too early to talk about high-level negotiations, but there is hope for a third round of talks this week.
President Zelenskyy announced the intensification of sanctions pressure on Russia and the synchronization of existing sanctions regimes. Diplomats are working to attract funding for defense needs, and a prisoner exchange and a meeting with Russian representatives in Turkey are also being prepared.
Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations with Russia, expecting a constructive dialogue and a mandate to resolve important issues. A meeting at the level of leaders involving Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, European leaders, and Erdogan is proposed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a meeting with the Russian side in Turkey is planned for Wednesday. Rustem Umerov reported on the preparation of the exchange and this meeting.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks to discuss the return of prisoners, children, and a meeting of leaders at a new meeting with Russia in Turkey. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov proposed to the Russian side to hold this meeting.
The next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is expected in Istanbul this week, likely on Wednesday or Thursday. Humanitarian aid, prisoner exchange, infrastructure security, and border areas will be discussed.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia demonstrates an intention to start a conflict with Azerbaijan. He noted that Moscow's influence in the region has weakened, and Azerbaijan has left its orbit.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel, supported by Turkey and Jordan. The truce was declared after Israeli airstrikes on Syria and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the Suweida region.
A shooting occurred on July 18 at the Le Méridien hotel restaurant in Batumi, resulting in the death of a Turkish citizen. An unknown assailant fired several shots at a middle-aged man, who died on the spot.
The presidents of Turkey and Russia discussed the war in Ukraine and the situation in Syria. Erdogan confirmed Turkey's readiness to host a third round of peace talks in Istanbul.
