Speculation is mounting that Russian leader Vladimir Putin's grip on power may be slipping, with experts predicting his reign could end in assassination due to the calamitous conflict in Ukraine.The septuagenarian autocrat has reportedly tightened security protocols and become rarely seen outside the confines of his Kremlin sanctuary,

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said that if President Trump attended the talks, it would put pressure on Russia’s leader, Vladimir V. Putin, to meet face-to-face.

Ukraine had framed Zelensky's demand for a face-to-face meeting with Putin as a test of Russia's true willingness to negotiate peace. Arriving in Turkey, he slammed the Russian delegation as "theatrical" and contrasted it to Ukraine's high-level group.

Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky could come face to face in Turkey this week - but it wouldn't be the first time the world leaders have met in person.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to meet Vladimir Putin for ceasefire talks - and gave a brave four-word message to the Russian despot: "I will be waiting." President Trump took to Truth Social Sunday afternoon,