Overview

• Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his attendance at the May 15 peace talks in Istanbul and has invited Vladimir Putin for a direct meeting, but the Kremlin has not clarified whether Putin will attend.
• The Kremlin has stated that a Russian delegation will be present but has refused to disclose its composition or comment further on Putin's potential involvement.
• Zelensky has called on Donald Trump to attend the talks, suggesting that his presence could encourage Putin to participate and increase the likelihood of meaningful negotiations.
• The European Union has approved a 17th sanctions package targeting Russia, with additional sanctions threatened if Moscow does not agree to a 30-day cease-fire proposed by Ukraine and its allies.
• If Putin does not attend, Zelensky and European leaders view it as a clear signal that Russia is unwilling to negotiate an end to the war, which has entered its fourth year.