Ukraine LIVE: Putin running 'scared' after Zelensky issues fresh Russia ultimatum

5 mins ago06:36 Ciaran McGrath

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak insisted Mr Zelenskyy would only negotiate directly with Mr Putin.

He said: “Lower-level talks will just be used to drag things out.”

Ukraine’s government is pushing for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire before any wider agreement is discussed.

Officials say more drone strikes prove Russia is not serious about peace.

13 mins ago06:28 Ciaran McGrath

Russia has suggested that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend peace talks in Turkey tomorrow, not President Vladimir Putin.

The meeting comes amid growing speculation over Moscow’s stance on negotiations with Ukraine.

Turkish officials had reportedly hoped Mr Putin would attend in person.

Kremlin aides insist Mr Lavrov is fully authorised to lead the delegation.

39 mins ago06:02 Ciaran McGrath

Vladimir Putin is “too scared” to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey for ceasefire talks on Thursday, the Ukrainian President has claimed.

Mr Zelensky issued taunt amid reports that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be sent in the Russian leader’s stead, saying: “If he takes the step to say he is ready for a ceasefire then it opens the way to discussing all the elements to end the war.”

“I’m not even mentioning that he is scared of direct talks with me.”

In a clip uploaded to X, Mr Zelensky said his team was now “actively preparing a visit to Turkey.

He added: "Putin is the one who determines everything in Russia, so he is the one who has to resolve the war. This is his war. Therefore, the negotiations should be with him."