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Zelenskyy Calls for New Diplomatic Push as Kremlin Responds With Unexpected Support
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for an “intensification” in peace negotiations with Russia, emphasizing the need to accelerate the diplomatic track while continuing military coordination with allies.
Just hours later, the Kremlin issued a rare, seemingly conciliatory response, agreeing with the need for greater momentum, Russian media Interfax reported on July 18.
“Today, I discussed with Rustem Umerov the work of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, as well as personal tasks in the defense and negotiation spheres,” Zelenskyy wrote following a meeting with the newly appointed NSDC Secretary.
Today, I discussed with Rustem Umerov the work of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, as well as personal tasks in the defense and negotiation spheres.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 18, 2025
First, continue working with partners on arms agreements. We must fully…
He outlined three priorities: continuing arms agreements with partners, reviewing the implementation of national defense decisions, and intensifying diplomacy. “The implementation of the agreements from the second Istanbul meeting is ongoing. This process needs more momentum,” he noted.
Zelenskyy has previously stated that the next round of negotiations with Russia should only follow the implementation of prisoner exchange deals reached in Istanbul.
He also reiterated his desire for a high-level summit involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. “Such a format could bring not just words, but real security guarantees to the negotiating table,” he said.
The Kremlin responded to Zelenskyy’s remarks. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “This is a positive signal. And here, we absolutely agree—indeed, we also support adding momentum to the negotiation process.”
Earlier, Moscow’s Foreign Ministry rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand that Russian leader Vladimir Putin secure a peace deal in Ukraine within 50 days, calling the one-sided ultimatum “very strange” and highlighting the absence of any comparable call on Ukraine.
