Russia has called for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, but Ukraine’s European allies say Putin needs to agree to a ceasefire first.

The spokesperson for the European Commission, Paula Pinho, suggested that Vladimir Putin might be surprised by Volodymyr Zelensky's readiness to meet in person. This comment came in the context of the Russian leader's refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire and engage in talks with the Ukrainian president.

While US President Donald Trump "thinks" of flying to Turkey this week for possible talks between Ukraine and Russia over the ongoing war, the European leaders are threatening Moscow with a new round

The European Commission is considering imposing additional sanctions on Russia. Following Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire, the foreign ministers of France and Germany advocated for increased pressure through new sanctions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused European countries of taking a “pro-war” stance, saying their approach to the conflict in Ukraine was aimed at prolonging the war. Peskov criticized Europe’s position as “unbalanced,

They had warned Moscow that if Russia didn't agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday, there will be more sanctions against Russia and more military assistance for Ukraine.On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer said that "if he [Putin] is serious about peace,

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ready to call Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding ending the war in Ukraine, according to his interview with ZDF. Merz noted that he is prepared to take such a step,

According to unnamed European diplomats, Trump’s involvement has shifted the dynamics of potential peace negotiations. Suddenly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy felt compelled to accept Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s invitation to negotiate in Istanbul on May 15,

Putin's top propagandist Vladimir Solovyov entered a bizarre rant claiming that 'Nazi Europe' have 'blood on their heads' - before threatening a repeat of WW2. It is believed he is angry about getting

The Istanbul meeting will be decisive in determining a ceasefire: if it does not take place, it will signal that Russia is not interested in ending the war. In that case, the West must act decisively and impose the strongest possible sanctions package,