Russia and Ukraine delegates are meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, today to resume peace talks. But the Kremlin has once again swerved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's request for a high-profile summit, the only meeting he believes could lead to peace in his country.

The warring sides are still far apart heading into the third round of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations, set for Wednesday in Istanbul.

Russian forces, meanwhile, pounded four Ukrainian cities in nighttime attacks that officials said killed a child.

Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, was confirmed as the country’s new prime minister on Thursday and will replace former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who has served as prime minister since 2020. Shmyhal will remain part of the Zelensky government as the newly appointed defense minister.

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"Ukraine protects the front line against Russian aggression for all of Europe," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Monday.

The third round of Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul will be held on Thursday, July 24. This is reported by TASS with reference to a source.