Russia’s economy is under growing strain as its invasion of Ukraine drags on and Western sanctions are undermining President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain his war, a leading European economist said after briefing finance ministers on Tuesday.

Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is willing to travel to Turkey for the talks - even if Vladimir Putin does not turn up.

"We are waiting for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agreement and we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at European level for a significant tightening of sanctions," Merz said at a news conference with his Greek counterpart.

We’re happy to announce that Paul Schemm will become our next Russia/Ukraine editor, leading coverage of a conflict that has upended the global balance of power and will pose a challenge to Europe and the United States for years to come.

Last weekend saw a flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding the war in Ukraine. First, European leaders assembled in Kyiv on Saturday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of unity to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson said the deployment signals that Russian forces are facing some trouble in Chasiv Yar.

WASHINGTON/RIYADH/ANTALYA (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will travel to Istanbul for potential talks on Thursday on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the plans said on Tuesday.