Germany on Wednesday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend Istanbul peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. Addressing German parliament, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said European allies are backing Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire that could open the way for a peaceful settlement.

The Russian despot has tightened his security and rarely leaves his Kremlin security bubble out of fear of a Ukrainian kill squad, anti-Kremlin plotters or killers from within his inner-circle

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

Trump vows to attend Turkey talks ‘if Putin does’ as peace summit hangs in balance - Zelensky says he will fly to Istanbul at a moment's notice if Putin does show up

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 Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that he will be waiting for Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15th. Is the meeting with the Russian president a threat to Ukraine and Europe? Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will arrive in Turkey on May 15th to meet with Vladimir Putin for direct negotiations.

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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western leaders for imposing economic sanctions on the country due to the war in Ukraine. Putin on May 13 described Western leaders as 'idiots'. Putin also said that Russia will allow Western companies that left its market back only if it is beneficial for the country.

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.

Ahead of peace talks in Turkey, the 'manipulative' Russian President has been secretive about whether he will attend or not. Two Putin experts explain his thinking