Zelensky says Putin ‘scared’ to meet him face-to-face in high stakes Turkey talks - Latest provocation comes after Trump suggested he could join Zelensky and Putin for Istanbul summit this week

Vladimir Putin has greatly reduced his public appearances and has not been seen since the end of March, with the Russian despot now unlikely to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey this week

The absence of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump from the talks has dampened hopes of a significant breakthrough in resolving the conflict.

Russia has not yet said who it will send to Istanbul on Thursday and has refused to respond to ultimatums.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, but said both leaders are ready to fly to Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses to attend the talks there.

A Kremlin spokesperson said a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul for direct peace talks with Ukraine. But will Vladmir Putin not attend the crucial talks on Thursday? Here's all you need to know.

President Donald Trump reacted to comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin that they were willing to meet in person in Turkey on Thursday by issuing a rare rebuke to the Russian leader but still urging Ukraine to agree to the meeting.