Zelensky: Russia talks should focus on prisoners and Putin meeting

Detailed ceasefire talks are not on the agenda for the next round of negotiations with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Kiev diplomats on Monday.

Wednesday's meeting should instead focus on advancing the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children abducted by Russia, as well as preparing a meeting at the presidential level,

"We need more momentum in the negotiations to end the war," Zelensky said, explaining his insistence on a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He stated that results could only be expected from discussions at the highest level.

In mid-May, Zelensky had already travelled to Turkey in vain, hoping for a meeting with Putin.

The Kremlin has so far rejected direct negotiations between the presidents, arguing that such talks must be well-prepared to yield results. Necessary groundwork must first be laid at lower levels, according to Moscow.

In the first two rounds of direct negotiations between Kiev and Moscow in May and June, both sides agreed on a large-scale prisoner exchange and the return of fallen soldiers.

Over the weekend, Zelensky proposed new negotiations with Moscow to take place during the week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Moscow's interest in the talks, which, like the previous rounds in May and June, will take place in Istanbul.

Zelensky confirmed they would be held on Wednesday.