The EU is preparing new sanctions on Russia despite a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, three sources told CNBC.

Brazil's president said Wednesday he will press Vladimir Putin in person to attend negotiations with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey, adding to calls on the Russian leader to enter talks and end Moscow's invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is prepared to meet Vladimir Putin this week, shortly after US President Donald Trump urged him to “immediately” accept the Russian leader’s offer to hold peace talks in Turkey.

Yermak pointed to "very strong and very clear statements" by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would like Putin and Zelensky to meet for direct talks in Istanbul, and may even attend himself.

Over two dozen world leaders were joined by Steven Seagal and Oliver Stone as tanks, drones, and missiles rolled down the streets of central Moscow.

Iran is preparing for a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran's government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani was quoted by Russia's state RIA news agency as saying on Monday.

European leaders threatened new sanctions unless Moscow accepted a cease-fire right away. President Trump seemed to endorse the idea of a meeting between Ukraine’s and Russia’s presidents, and said he might take part.