Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being too "afraid" to turn up for face-to-face peace talks in Istanbul as direct negotiations erupted in accusations that Russia made "unacceptable demands.

Vladimir Putin did not intend to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, despite the Ukrainian leader's proposal. The media are analyzing his actions. What you need to know Putin did not plan a meeting with Zelensky in Istanbul,

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the stakes ahead of a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin in Turkey by saying he wouldn’t hold talks with any Russian representative other than the president himself.