Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western leaders for imposing economic sanctions on the country due to the war in Ukraine. Putin on May 13 described Western leaders as 'idiots'. Putin also said that Russia will allow Western companies that left its market back only if it is beneficial for the country.

The EU is preparing new sanctions on Russia despite a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, three sources told CNBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is prepared to meet Vladimir Putin this week, shortly after US President Donald Trump urged him to “immediately” accept the Russian leader’s offer to hold peace talks in Turkey.

President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will try to persuade Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to meet with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The negotiations may take place in Türkiye, according to Ouest-France.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comments mark the latest move in a weekend-long exchange of proposals from both sides on the next steps in the U.S.-led peace effort.

Kremlin Awaits Presidential Order. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that a Russian delegation would be present for the discussions scheduled for May

Yermak pointed to "very strong and very clear statements" by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would like Putin and Zelensky to meet for direct talks in Istanbul, and may even attend himself.

European leaders threatened new sanctions unless Moscow accepted a cease-fire right away. President Trump seemed to endorse the idea of a meeting between Ukraine’s and Russia’s presidents, and said he might take part.