**Ukraine Proposes New Peace Talks with Russia Amid Intensified Attacks**

As heavy bombardments continue, Ukraine's leadership seeks dialogue to establish a ceasefire and peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a proposal for a new series of peace talks with Russia, aimed at rekindling negotiations that recently stalled. During his evening address, Zelensky expressed that a dialogue between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin is vital for achieving lasting peace. Senior security official Rustem Umerov has extended an invitation to Russia for discussions next week, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire.

This proposal follows a notable escalation in violence, with Ukraine experiencing a relentless series of aerial bombardments that have resulted in the deaths of three civilians. Zelensky reported that 10 regions of Ukraine, including various cities, were targeted during a recent attack, which involved over 340 drones and a combination of 35 cruise and ballistic missiles, although many of these were intercepted by Ukrainian defense forces.

In the political landscape, former President Donald Trump asserted that the U.S. will supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO allies while imposing severe tariffs on Russia if a conflict resolution is not achieved within a 50-day window. Trump has proposed substantial tariffs aimed at Russia's trading partners, escalating economic stakes amid the ongoing conflict.

Despite previous attempts at negotiations in Istanbul yielding no breakthrough towards a ceasefire, some agreements have been reached concerning prisoner exchanges and the recovery of deceased soldiers. After the last meeting in early June, Zelensky criticized Russia for not agreeing to Ukraine's primary demand for an unconditional ceasefire, arguing that Moscow has been obstructive in ensuring future talks yield fruit.

Since the initiation of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has occupied approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. As the war rages on, both sides continue to prepare for further conflict, while the international community watches closely for any signs of a diplomatic resolution.