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,

Zelenskiy's suggestion of a meeting with Putin capped a dramatic 48 hours in which European leaders joined Zelenskiy in demanding a 30-day ceasefire from Monday, only for Putin to make a counter-proposal.

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.