Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey on Thursday to underscore his commitment to ending the war, as his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin stayed away, sending a junior delegation instead.

Ministers from NATO states slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for not personally attending cease-fire talks in Turkey.

President Tayyip Erdogan told Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Ankara on Thursday that Turkey was ready to host him and Russia's Vladimir Putin for peace talks "when they are ready", his office said.

The Russia's delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, a senior advisor to President Putin, Kremlin announced on Wednesday.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged US counterpart Donald Trump to help secure a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, while accusing the Russian leader of not