The EU is preparing new sanctions on Russia despite a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, three sources told CNBC.

During possible negotiations in Istanbul, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to talk only with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, according to the head of the President’s Office, Mykhailo Podolyak.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that if his conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin does take place, he will negotiate a full ceasefire. Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists on 13 May Quote: "We will do everything to make this meeting happen.

KYIV − Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would agree to meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump told him immediately to accept Putin's proposal of direct talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comments mark the latest move in a weekend-long exchange of proposals from both sides on the next steps in the U.S.-led peace effort.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on the ratification of rare earth metals between Ukraine and the United States. Zelenskyy also stated that he is ready to ally with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.