Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Instead, the Kremlin has delegated the task to a team of senior officials, including aide Vladimir Medinsky, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had previously demanded direct negotiations with Putin, has confirmed his attendance at the summit. His decision comes after pressure from international leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially expressed interest in joining but backed out when it became clear Putin would not participate.
The talks come at a time when hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough remain slim. Past negotiations, including those hosted by Turkey in 2022, failed to yield lasting results. Zelenskyy has reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, warning that Ukraine cannot sustain a prolonged war. While he remains open to talks, he has underscored that only Putin can make the necessary decisions to end the conflict.
Several global actors, including Brazil and China, have encouraged renewed direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Turkey, maintaining ties with both countries, has positioned itself as a neutral host and continues to advocate for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Though the absence of Putin limits the scope of any immediate resolution, Zelenskyy’s presence keeps diplomatic channels open, offering a chance—however modest—for progress in ending the war.
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