Ukraine has minimized its participation in negotiations with the Russian side due to the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The delegation will arrive in Istanbul but without high-ranking officials.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin must demonstrate leadership by meeting him in person for talks. He said Putin’s behaviour shows a lack of respect not only for Ukraine,

The EU is preparing new sanctions on Russia despite a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, three sources told CNBC.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not show up for the negotiations, even though he initiated them himself. Ukraine will not run around the world looking for him, according to a press conference by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that if his conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin does take place, he will negotiate a full ceasefire. Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists on 13 May Quote: "We will do everything to make this meeting happen.