ITALY, ROME, Jul 10 — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome that a “serious result” and an end to the Russia-Ukraine war can only be achieved after the leaders’ meeting, but these talks can only happen after finalizing exchanges agreed upon at the second Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul, reports Gwara Media’s journalist.
“We are prepared for any format of meeting at the level of leaders. Undoubtedly, (talks between) Ukraine, Russia, and America at the level of leaders is a desired format,” Zelenskyy said. “There will be not only words, but guarantees at the negotiation table. But I can’t say how it will happen.”
Zelenskyy also thanked Italy, the Vatican, Austria, and Switzerland for offering to host peace talks and said he believes the Istanbul exchanges will be finalized “in the near future.”
On June 2, Ukraine and Russia met in Istanbul for peace negotiations and agreed to exchange severely wounded and critically ill soldiers, all soldiers aged 18–25, and the repatriation of 6,000 killed troops.
On June 10, Ukraine exchanged the first group of severely wounded and critically ill prisoners and expatriated thousandsof bodies of soldiers and civilians.
On Istanbul talks, the Russian side also said that the only way they’ll agree to end the war is if Kyiv gives up regions, which parts Moscow currently occupies, and limits Ukraine’s army. Ukraine rejected these demands.
Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome is an annual high-level political event dedicated to the “swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine.”
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