Zelensky orders formation of Ukraine's permanent negotiation team

KIEV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday he had ordered the establishment of the country's permanent negotiation team on peace efforts.

"I have given instructions to form a permanent, expanded national negotiation group," Zelensky wrote on Telegram following a meeting with Ukrainian officials focused on diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky spoke highly of the Ukrainian delegation's performance during recent negotiations with Russia, saying they "succeeded in keeping the talks in a dignified manner".

He highlighted the agreement to conduct a prisoner exchange in a 1,000-for-1,000 format as the most significant outcome of the Turkiye meetings.

Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire remains in place, Zelensky noted.

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations held negotiations in Turkiye's Istanbul on May 16, which marked the first direct talks between the countries since March 2022.