President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he would attend talks with Russia on the war in Ukraine this week only if Vladimir Putin is also there, and goaded him by saying the Russian leader was scared to meet him face-to-face.

The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office said Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to attend planned negotiations in Türkiye would be “the last signal” that Russia is not interested in ending the war, speaking during the 2025 Copenhagen Democracy Summit.

United States President Donald Trump has offered to join the talks that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine, after criticism of the Western “ultimatums” to end the conflict between the two Slavic nations.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's visit to Istanbul for negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears unlikely, according to Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi, PhD in Political Science and international expert.

On Sunday, the Russian president proposed the resumption of direct peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv without preconditions in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul on May 15, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirming his readiness to host the talks in a call with Putin later that day.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week.

Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ben Carter and Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Putin’s proposal came after leaders from four major European countries threatened to ratchet up pressure on Moscow if it does not accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

Montblanc has unveiled a new, immersive boutique at Istanbul Airport. The store was revamped in partnership with Gebr. Heinemann and TAV Airports subsidiary ATU Duty Free, to create an enhanced brand experience for travellers. At the heart of the new-look store is Montblanc’s “unwavering commitment” to craftsmanship and design.