Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says he will only attend peace talks in Turkey this Thursday if Russian President Vladimir Putin is present. Zelensky insists that ending the war requires direct dialogue with Putin, not any other Russian official.
The talks follow growing international pressure for a 30-day ceasefire, with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders backing the call.
Trump hinted he might attend the meeting, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are confirmed to be there.
Meanwhile, Russia remains silent on Putin’s attendance, and fighting continues along Ukraine’s eastern front.