FLASH
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Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine ahead of a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin, expected to take place in Istanbul on Thursday, because only the Russian leader can activate such a ceasefire.
Accusing Putin of being "afraid" to meet him, Zelensky stressed that he expects "severe sanctions" from the United States and the European Union if these talks do not take place, adding that if such a meeting does not take place, this will show that Moscow is not ready for diplomacy.
The Ukrainian president stressed at a press conference in Kiev that, since "absolutely everything in Russia" depends on Putin, the only way to secure a ceasefire and end the war is through direct talks with him.
"We will do everything to make this meeting happen," he said, adding that he would also do "everything" to achieve a ceasefire.
"If he takes the step of saying he is ready for a ceasefire, then the way opens to discussing all parameters to end the war," Zelensky said.
"Not to mention that he is afraid of direct talks with me," he stressed, adding that he will first meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara for talks and will go to Istanbul if Putin is there.
He also added that Ukraine has invited US President Donald Trump to Thursday's meeting but has not yet confirmed his participation. Meanwhile, Putin's possible presence at the talks remains a mystery.
Trump offered to participate in the possible talks yesterday while traveling in the region. "I don't know what the American president has decided, but in any case, if he confirms his participation, I think that would give Putin an additional reason to come," he said.
The Ukrainian leader also said that China had signaled its support for a 30-day ceasefire, which Zelensky calls necessary before peace talks can take place.
Who will participate in the talks?
US President Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, are set to travel to Istanbul for talks on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, three sources familiar with the plans told Reuters.
For its part, the Kremlin said that "as soon as the president deems it appropriate, we will announce who will participate in the talks," without specifying whether the Russian president will participate in the talks.
"The Russian side continues to prepare for the negotiations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the talks and Zelensky's request for Putin to participate. "We will not comment further at this time."
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