Putin proposes direct talks with Kyiv after Trump and Europe’s ceasefire ultimatum - Putin proposed that the talks be ‘without preconditions’ in Istanbul on May 15 after European leaders and Trump agr

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Ukraine on Thursday in Istanbul, as European leaders and the United States attempt to put pressure on Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in order to bring an end to the three-year conflict.

The European Commission is considering imposing additional sanctions on Russia. Following Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire, the foreign ministers of France and Germany advocated for increased pressure through new sanctions.

The Commission has presented a "roadmap" to end all imports of Russian gas by 2027 and stop "sponsoring Putin's brutal military actions." The measure comes more than three years after the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western leaders for imposing economic sanctions on the country due to the war in Ukraine. Putin on May 13 described Western leaders as 'idiots'. Putin also said that Russia will allow Western companies that left its market back only if it is beneficial for the country.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ready to call Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding ending the war in Ukraine, according to his interview with ZDF. Merz noted that he is prepared to take such a step,

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused European countries of taking a “pro-war” stance, saying their approach to the conflict in Ukraine was aimed at prolonging the war. Peskov criticized Europe’s position as “unbalanced,