Context:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul to discuss ending the ongoing war, a statement that came shortly after Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept direct talks with Russia. Zelensky emphasized that the killings should not be prolonged and reiterated that he would only engage in talks if a ceasefire was in place. Meanwhile, European leaders, part of a 'coalition of the willing', have called for a 30-day pause in fighting, starting Monday, as a precursor to any negotiations. Trump's insistence on immediate talks was aimed at determining the possibility of a deal, suggesting that clarity on the situation would guide further actions by European leaders and the US. Global powers, including France, Britain, Germany, and Poland, have met with Zelensky, urging Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire and warning of further sanctions if it does not comply.

Dive Deeper:

• Volodymyr Zelensky stated his readiness to meet Vladimir Putin personally in Istanbul to negotiate an end to the war, following Donald Trump's demand for Ukraine to hold direct talks with Russia. Zelensky emphasized the urgency of stopping the killings and expressed his willingness to wait for Putin in Turkey.

• Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine was open to discussions but insisted they would only occur if a ceasefire were in place, highlighting the prerequisite for any negotiations with Russia.

• Western powers, including leaders from France, Britain, Germany, and Poland, have advocated for a 30-day pause in hostilities, which is set to begin on Monday, as a necessary step towards facilitating talks.

• Donald Trump advocated for immediate talks between Ukraine and Russia, arguing that such a meeting would clarify whether a resolution to the conflict is feasible, thereby enabling European and US leaders to plan their subsequent actions accordingly.

• European leaders and global powers have warned Russia of further sanctions should it refuse to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, underlining the international pressure on Russia to de-escalate the situation.

• The coalition of Western leaders met in Kyiv to discuss the situation and collectively urge Russia to comply with their ceasefire proposal, while emphasizing their commitment to increasing pressure on Russia's military operations.

• In a separate development, six Bulgarians involved in a Russian spy ring are set to be sentenced in London, reflecting ongoing international tensions related to Russian activities beyond the Ukrainian conflict.