Vladimir Putin has greatly reduced his public appearances and has not been seen since the end of March, with the Russian despot now unlikely to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey this week

The absence of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump from the talks has dampened hopes of a significant breakthrough in resolving the conflict.

As he heads to Turkey for negotiations, Zelensky is betting that Trump will soon realize that Russia does not want to make peace.

The chief of staff of the Ukrainian presidency asserts, in an interview with Le Monde, that Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to negotiate with Russia, alongside the US and Europe, but demands a complete and unconditional ceasefire beforehand.

A senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects Russia's Vladimir Putin to attend peace negotiations on Thursday in Turkey. Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram on Wednesday that if Putin does not show up ,

President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the possibility of scrapping his Middle East travel schedule and adding a stop to personally mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Turkey.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to attend the inaugural Mass of newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican on Sunday, war commitments permitting, a top presidential aide told Reuters on Tuesday.