Putin stunned into 'strange silence' after Zelensky's invitation to peace talks

Day 1,175.

Today, we look ahead to what might happen on Thursday in Istanbul. We discuss whether Putin will show up at all. We also dive into the potential 17th round of sanctions if Russia doesn’t agree to a ceasefire, and whether Europe can deliver on its promises. Finally, Francis has a robust conversation with the Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations, Zoltán Kovács, at the Hungarian embassy in London. 

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Zoltan Kovacs, Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations.

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Content Referenced:

Joe Barnes, on the Telegraph:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/jk-jo/joe-barnes/

Trump toys with late entrance to Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Telegraph: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/12/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest-news/

UK to Unveil New Russia Sanctions as European Ministers Meet, Bloomberg

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-11/uk-to-unveil-new-russia-sanctions-as-european-ministers-meet

Why the EU is racing to expand its Russia sanctions in a push for peace, Financial Times

https://www.ft.com/content/2a781235-ad89-4aaf-a55f-c4863ba060c1

EU readies capital controls and tariffs to safeguard Russia sanctions, Financial Times

https://www.ft.com/content/7f7687da-b31a-4c64-a446-221c4a756a05

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