Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "in any format," following a meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who proposed a new round of peace negotiations in Turkey.

Zelensky emphasized that "peace is essential" and that Ukraine remains committed to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. He backed Ankara's initiative to resume discussions on Turkish soil.

Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, announced expectations for a US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, possibly including Jared Kushner. The delegation could arrive after Easter on April 12.

Russia rejected these initiatives. Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov suggested that withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas could facilitate progress in negotiations. The Kremlin noted that trilateral talks are currently paused as American negotiators are focused on the Middle East crisis.