Bloomberg: EU leaders decided to wait for talks in Istanbul

European leaders are ready to wait for a possible meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin in Turkey before asking the United States to impose new sanctions against Moscow, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

After conversations between American and European officials on May 12, it became clear that Washington would like to provide an opportunity for negotiations between Moscow and Kiev on May 15 before increasing pressure on Putin, the agency notes. If Putin refuses to meet with Zelensky or Russia does not agree to an immediate and unconditional cease-fire on Thursday, European leaders will call on President Donald Trump to fulfill his threat to impose sanctions against Moscow, Bloomberg reports.

As The Guardian reported with reference to European diplomats, Trump's statement that Ukraine should immediately agree to the resumption of direct talks proposed by Putin could interfere with Europe's plans to convince the United States to impose sanctions against Russia if the 30-day truce is abandoned. According to the interlocutors, Zelensky had no choice but to accept Putin's offer of talks in Istanbul for fear of offending Trump. Putin proposed negotiations in order not to alienate his American counterpart and avoid European pressure on the United States, diplomats believe. They do not believe that the American leader acted "in collusion" with his Russian counterpart. It is possible that some European officials will also come to Istanbul to make sure that Ukraine is ready for negotiations. Trump also admitted that he could go to Istanbul on May 15.

On May 10, during a meeting in Kiev, the "coalition of the willing" called for a "complete and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days" from May 12. On the night of May 11, the Russian president proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions in Istanbul on May 15.

Zelensky expressed readiness for direct talks with the Russian president and said he would wait for Putin "personally" in Istanbul. The Russian president did not announce his presence. Who will join the Russian delegation is still unknown. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained that Putin "clearly spoke about the need for a negotiation process on the root causes, only after that it will be possible to talk about a truce."

The Kremlin, in response to threats of sanctions if Russia refuses a 30-day ceasefire, said: "The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia, it is not suitable. You can't talk to Russia in such a language."