Ukraine proposes Russia meeting, Kremlin hedges on Putin-Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had proposed holding a meeting with Russia next week, more than a month after the previous round of direct talks, while the Kremlin hedged on a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Rustem Umerov, who was appointed secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on Friday, made the proposal to the Russian side, the Ukrainian leader said in his daily address to the nation.

"The dynamics of negotiations must be accelerated," Zelenskyy said on Saturday. "Everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire. The Russian side should stop hiding from making decisions."

Umerov, who previously served as defense minister, led the Ukrainian delegations at talks with Russia in June, which resulted in the start of a major prisoner exchange. Discussions are continuing on one more swap to implement agreements reached during those direct negotiations in Istanbul, the president said.

A precise date for the new round of talks hasn't been agreed yet and will be coordinated, Russia's Tass news service reported from Moscow, citing an unidentified person. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said July 17 that Russia was waiting for proposals from Kyiv on a third round of negotiations, according to the state-run agency.

Ukraine is interested in seeing agreements reached with Trump on air defense and new weapons implemented as soon as possible, Zelenskyy also said, adding that his country was ready to export drones.

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying "Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."

Separately, Peskov said a meeting between Putin and Trump "is possible, and it will definitely happen in due time."

Russian Airstrikes Across Ukraine Kill at Least Three

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched a large missile and drone barrage overnight, killing at least three people, injuring several others and leaving thousands without power.

Kremlin forces fired more than 300 drones and 30 missiles of various types across at least 10 regions, Zelenskyy said Saturday in a post on X.

One person was killed and six injured when a multi-story apartment building was hit in the Black Sea city of Odesa. Images on social media showed the building in flames.