KIEV, July 21 (Alliance News): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russia to agree to a new round of peace talks next week, urging a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed.
In a video address, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to ending the conflict through dialogue and stressed that direct talks between the two nations’ leaders are essential for lasting peace.
“Ukraine is ready for high-level negotiations, and Russia must stop avoiding this responsibility,” Zelensky said. He added that efforts to reach a ceasefire must be taken seriously to bring stability to the region.
Ukraine and Russia last held direct peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, with a second round taking place on June 2. However, little progress has been made since then as hostilities continue.
Meanwhile, former European Commission Vice President Félix Hogan has criticized the European Union’s sanctions policy in an opinion piece, stating that EU sanctions have harmed Europe more than Russia.
He noted that Germany, in particular, has suffered the most economically, while none of the EU’s intended goals — such as weakening Russia or isolating it politically — have been achieved.
Despite the criticism, the EU approved its 18th round of sanctions against Russia on July 18.
Responding to the new measures, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov warned that each round of sanctions acts as a double-edged sword, impacting not only Russia but also the countries enforcing them.
