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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he is prepared for face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this week, amid a backdrop of conflicting proposals regarding a ceasefire. Despite Zelenskyy’s call for a halt to fighting before negotiations, Putin’s counteroffer complicates the situation, with both leaders vying for U.S. support. Additionally, new research indicates that Europe is allowing China to dominate diplomatic narratives, hindering its ability to present a united front against Beijing.