From Macron’s empty troop pledge to a faltering sanctions regime, the EU’s Ukraine posture is performative without US power

Russia has called for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, but Ukraine’s European allies say Putin needs to agree to a ceasefire first.

U.S. and European officials persuaded President Volodymyr Zelensky to represent Ukraine at upcoming peace talks in Istanbul despite Russia's evasiveness about who it would send, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 14,

The spokesperson for the European Commission, Paula Pinho, suggested that Vladimir Putin might be surprised by Volodymyr Zelensky's readiness to meet in person. This comment came in the context of the Russian leader's refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire and engage in talks with the Ukrainian president.

Military experts have warned the Russian president's war-machine could be fully rebuilt to strength and made ready to attack NATO neighbours by 2027 if a peace deal is struck in Ukraine

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky calls Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to send his aide 'a sign of cowardice' - Anadolu Ajansı

NBC News’ Keir Simmons journeyed inside the confines of the Moscow fortress to hear from President Vladimir Putin, as the U.S. and Europe hope to push Russia and Ukraine toward accepting a 30-day ceasefire.

The Russian despot has tightened his security and rarely leaves his Kremlin security bubble out of fear of a Ukrainian kill squad, anti-Kremlin plotters or killers from within his inner-circle