By Tom Balmforth and Vladimir Soldatkin ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a second-tier team of aides and deputy ministers to hold peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday,

President Zelenskiy stated he would attend talks with Russia this week only if President Putin participates, suggesting Putin is afraid of a face-to-face meeting. The U.S., led by President Trump, is actively involved in peace efforts,

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine was ready to meet for talks with Russia — but only after Vladimir Putin agrees to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which the Russian president so far hasn’t done.