Ukraine, Russia hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul * Ukrainian drones reportedly target key logistics hub in southwestern Russia * Russia suffered 80,000 casualties during Kursk incursion, Ukraine's military chief says * 'He sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence' — Putin not worried about 50-day ceasefire deadline,

Ukraine on Wednesday proposed direct talks within weeks between its President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin, but Moscow tempered prospects for progress at a fresh round of talks in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Kyiv and Moscow will hold a new round of peace talks — the first in seven weeks — on Wednesday in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 24 urged China to leverage its close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help advance peace talks with Ukraine. "China has an influence on Russia,

Ukraine on Wednesday proposed direct talks within weeks between its President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin while Moscow tempered prospects for progress at a fresh round of talks in Istanbul on Wednesday.