New Delhi, May 13 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday (May 13) that he will be in Ankara on Thursday (May 15) to hold direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin - if he shows up. The long-anticipated face-to-face meeting, driven by mounting international pressure, aims to end the three-year war that has devastated Ukraine and killed tens of thousands.

Zelensky said he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be in Ankara on Thursday and await Putin's arrival. If Putin agrees, the meeting may move to Istanbul.

"I do not know the US president's decision, but if he confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come," Zelensky said at a press conferenc...