Overview

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has confirmed his attendance at the Istanbul peace talks, emphasizing his readiness to meet Putin directly.
• The Kremlin has not clarified whether Vladimir Putin will attend the summit or send representatives, fueling speculation about Russia's commitment to negotiations.
• The European Union has agreed on new sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and other sectors, aiming to increase pressure for progress in peace efforts.
• US President Donald Trump will not attend but has dispatched Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two envoys to represent the United States at the talks.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other EU leaders have warned of harsher sanctions if no meaningful progress emerges from this week's discussions.