After five days of confusion over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine, the day they were supposed to begin initially brought only more of the same: a seven-hour stakeout on the banks of the Bosphorus,

Russian propagandists are circulating on social media a fake cover of the German political satire magazine Titanic, featuring a caricature of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV. The image depicts the newly elected pontiff seemingly frightened by a phone call from the Ukrainian leader,

No one doubts the complexity of the upcoming negotiations in Istanbul. Western puppeteers completely control the Ukrainian delegation, including Vladimir Zelensky. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting of the Diplomatic Club.

The absence of both Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump from the talks dampens hopes for a significant breakthrough in resolving the conflict

As he heads to Turkey for negotiations, Zelensky is betting that Trump will soon realize that Russia does not want to make peace.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched only ten attack drones at Ukraine overnight, which could signal an intention to demonstrate a de-escalation in the intensity of hostilities. — Ukrinform.