On Monday, the Kremlin reiterated President Vladimir Putin’s invitation for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to take place in Istanbul later this week, but did not clarify whether a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would occur.

Putin suggested on Sunday that the two sides should resume negotiations, which last happened in Istanbul in March 2022. He subtly dismissed Kyiv’s request, supported by European allies, for a 30-day ceasefire. In response, Zelensky challenged Putin to a personal meeting in Istanbul on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that “all he could mention” was that global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressed their “understanding and support” for Putin’s proposal.

Peskov stated, “In general, we remain dedicated to pursuing a serious long-term peaceful resolution,” but he did not confirm whether Putin would participate in the anticipated discussions.

Since December 2019, when they last met, tensions have escalated significantly, culminating in Russia’s full-scale invasion more than two years later.

Both Moscow and Kyiv seem to be seeking alignment with Trump’s call for a quick peace agreement in Ukraine, while portraying the other as an impediment to this goal.

A Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, told Axios that Zelensky intends to travel to Turkey this week, regardless of Russia’s stance on the proposed ceasefire.

Russian senators indicated on state television that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Istanbul was unlikely to happen.

Additionally, Peskov reacted to Germany’s warning earlier on Monday regarding potential new EU sanctions if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire by the end of the day, stating, “The language of ultimatums is not acceptable for Russia. It is inappropriate. One cannot address Russia in such a manner.”