Russia and Ukraine are set for talks in Istanbul on Thursday, though a direct meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unlikely as the Kremlin has ruled it out. Putin proposed these negotiations to resume direct talks, claiming Ukraine had previously halted discussions, while Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s terms as ultimatums. The talks follow an ultimatum from Ukraine’s European allies for a ceasefire, with significant pressure from the US and Europe influencing Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
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