Vladimir Putin rejected calls to join direct talks with Ukraine's leader in Turkey, seemingly unphased by mounting pressure from Trump to strike a peace deal.

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a prisoner exchange at peace talks in Turkey on Friday, which was led by a U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The negotiations took place a day later than planned amid low expectations for a breakthrough, after Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump opted not to go to Turkey.

Ukrainian officials say Russia launched more than 100 drones, rejecting calls for a ceasefire as Zelenskyy says he'll "be waiting for Putin" to join him for direct talks in Turkey.

In this handout photo released by Turkish Presidency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, shakes hands with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting at the Presidential palace in Ankara,

The European Union (EU) has taken a strong step against Russia by adopting its 17th sanctions package. These sanctions are designed to make it much harder and more expensive for Russia to keep fighting its war against Ukraine.

Turkey is repositioning itself as a key regional and global power by mediating conflicts, strengthening ties across the Middle East, and aligning with the Trump administration's goals.

Donald Trump has been urged to pressure Russia with further sanctions, after Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky warned Vladimir Putin is “trying to buy time” to continue his war.The US president insisted progress had been made after his two-hour call with the Russian president on Monday.