Putin ‘doesn’t dare’ meet Zelensky in Istanbul: EU

The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said yesterday she didn't think Russian President Vladimir Putin would turn up for talks in Turkey this week with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The meeting set for Thursday in Istanbul would be the first direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials since the early months of Moscow's invasion in 2022.

Zelensky has urged Putin to personally attend the talks that the Kremlin leader himself suggested, but Moscow has so far declined to respond to the invitation.

"I think it's a good move if they sit down," Kallas told a democracy conference in Copenhagen, adding: "But I don't think he dares, Putin."

"It has been over two months since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire," she said.

"Russia is clearly playing games, trying to find time, hoping that time is on their side. We haven't seen any good efforts or good signs from their side."

Ukraine said yesterday that a Putin no-show would be a clear sign that Moscow is not serious about peace.