Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he will only attend Thursday's peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin attends, accusing him of avoiding direct negotiations.

The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin’s attendance. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated an announcement would be made if the president decides to go, Reuters reported.

Zelensky is advocating for a 30-day cease-fire as a step toward ending the war, which is currently in its third year.

US President Donald Trump is sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, to the meetings. Trump additionally pledged to attend personally, according to Reuters.

Russian airstrikes continue, with three people reported killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region on Tuesday.