Speculation is rising over a possible Zelensky–Putin showdown in Turkey, after reports that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached out directly to the Kremlin while appearing to sideline Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to make “some compromise” on his demand that a ceasefire takes place before any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin – as long as some security guarantees for Ukraine are established.

Despite global pressure, Russia’s leader has little incentive to engage in direct talks, leaving peace efforts at a dead end.