A: Hey there! Did you catch the news today?
B: Not yet, what's up?

A: Well, Ukrainian and Russian delegates met for their third round of peace talks in Istanbul! Isn't that exciting?
B: Hmm, interesting. What did they talk about?

A: The Ukrainians proposed a meeting between the presidents of both countries, but Russia said no. The Ukrainian side is insisting on a full and unconditional ceasefire as a necessary step for effective diplomacy.
B: Wow, that sounds complicated. Did they discuss anything else?

A: Yeah! They agreed to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners of war, but there was no agreement about a meeting between the leaders. The Russian side said they need to work out the deal conditions first before discussing it.
B: That doesn't sound good... But what about the US and Turkey? Did Ukraine ask for their help too?

A: Yes! They asked President Biden and President Erdoğan of Turkey to join the talks, but we don't know if they will.
B: Hmm, I wonder how this will turn out...

A: The Trump administration is putting pressure on Russia, saying they will face stiff tariffs if there's no ceasefire in less than two months. So let's see what happens!
B: That's intense... Here's hoping for peace!
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Ukrainian and Russian delegates sat down on Wednesday for their third round of peace talks in Istanbul. Kyiv proposed a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow dismissed the idea.



The Ukrainian side was led by the country's former defense minister, Rustem Umerov, who now serves as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.



Umerov said Ukraine offered to set up a summit for the two leaders by the end of August, and stressed that "fundamental problems" can only be resolved at that level. He also asked the US and Turkish presidents to join.



Umerov said: "By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach to everyone around the world, including our partners. Ukraine, keeps insisting on a full and unconditional ceasefire as a necessary basis for effective diplomacy."



Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky headed up the Russian team. He said they agreed to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners of war.



But Medinsky pushed back on any plans for the leaders to meet: "For this meeting to happen we need to work out the deal conditions first, and to understand what will be actually discussed at this meeting. Actually, this meeting is not for discussing a deal, but for wrapping it up, signing it."



The Trump administration has been putting pressure on the Russians. He says they will face stiff tariffs if they fail to agree to a ceasefire in less than two months.



Both sides still remain divided, and will have to continue negotiating the terms of any peace deal.
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Quiz 1:
Who led the Ukrainian delegation during the third round of peace talks in Istanbul?
A. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
B. Rustem Umerov
C. Vladimir Medinsky
D. Donald Trump

Quiz 2:
What was the proposed deadline for a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin?
A. By the end of August
B. By the end of September
C. By the end of October
D. No specific deadline was given

Quiz 3:
According to Vladimir Medinsky, what is the purpose of a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin?
A. To discuss the terms of a peace deal
B. To wrap up and sign a previously agreed-upon peace deal
C. To negotiate the release of prisoners of war
D. To demonstrate a constructive approach to the world