Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky might meet Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday – if the Russian leader decides to show up for a summit that he himself suggested.

Putin proposed immediate negotiations on Thursday in Istanbul while Europeans and Trump were talking about a ceasefire from Monday

Putin rejects ceasefire ultimatum from European leaders – but proposes talks with Kyiv - Russian president proposes direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey on 15 May

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.

Turkey is ready to undertake the duty to observe a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, its foreign minister said during a "coalition of the willing" call with Kyiv's partners on Saturday, a Turkish foreign ministry source said.

As tensions remain high, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping both nuclear-armed nations step back from the brink.

Turkey's ambitions to become a natural gas hub could thwart the European Union's plans to end reliance on Russian gas by 2027.