The high-stakes diplomatic standoff intensifies as Zelensky insists on Putin's presence at peace negotiations, while Moscow's ambiguous response leaves the possibility of direct talks hanging in the balance.

MOSCOW - Russia will announce who is attending proposed peace talks in Turkey on ending the war in Ukraine when President Vladimir Putin sees fit to, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, declining to say at this stage whether or not Putin will attend himself.

U.S. President Donald Trump's senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will travel to Istanbul for potential talks on Thursday on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the plans said on Tuesday.