Germany's Merz: Putin has put himself in the wrong

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence from the Istanbul talks on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Zelensky had shown "enormous goodwill" with his trip to Turkey, Merz told German public broadcaster ZDF. "The one who is now putting himself in the wrong by not showing up is Putin."

Merz indicated that a new EU sanctions package for Russia is expected next week: "This package is ready and will be decided next Tuesday in Brussels."

Merz assured that the sanctions would also come into effect immediately on Tuesday. "They are prepared, they will come into effect, and the next sanctions package is in preparation."