France is advocating for Russia's proposed direct talks with Ukraine to include an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. This stance was emphasized during a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, where Erdogan noted that a "historic turning point" had been reached following Russia's agreement to hold talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Macron stressed the necessity of a 30-day ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed "direct negotiations without any preconditions" with Ukraine to end the war shortly after European leaders demanded a ceasefire, threatening new sanctions if Russia didn't agree to a ceasefire starting the following Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed to talks if Moscow accepted the 30-day ceasefire and said he would meet Putin in Türkiye on Thursday, urging Russia to avoid excuses.

Erdogan told Putin that Turkey was prepared to host negotiations but that a comprehensive ceasefire would create a suitable environment for peace talks. Turkey had previously hosted talks in March 2022, where a draft agreement proposed Ukraine give up NATO ambitions and accept neutral and nuclear-free status in exchange for security guarantees from UN Security Council members.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated the talks must consider the 2022 draft agreement and the current situation, while Ukraine views agreeing to those terms as capitulation.

Separately, European ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss "repelling Russian aggression" and are expected to announce sanctions on Moscow. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Washington's commitment to Ukraine and called for an "immediate ceasefire" during discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Rubio told Lammy that Washington's priority is ending the fighting and securing an immediate ceasefire. He also spoke with Merz about the meeting in Kyiv between various leaders and their shared goal of ending the war in Ukraine.

In other developments, Russian drones attacked Ukraine's railway infrastructure in the Donetsk region, injuring two and damaging a freight train. Ukrainian Railways reported that truce proposals are being ignored, and hostile attacks on railway infrastructure continue.

The UK is hosting a "Weimar+" meeting focused on "repelling Russian aggression." Lammy indicated the talks would focus on bolstering European security and securing a lasting peace for Ukraine. Representatives from multiple European countries and the EU are expected to attend, and Lammy is likely to announce sanctions targeting those backing the Russian invasion. He emphasized the importance of standing together to protect sovereignty, peace, and Ukraine.