In a notable move, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not participate in the peace talks in Istanbul, as Ukraine's Zelensky makes personal appeals for dialogue.
**Absence of Putin Casts Shadow Over Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey**
**Absence of Putin Casts Shadow Over Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey**
Kremlin announces delegation for peace discussions, leaving out the Russian President amidst escalating tensions.
In a surprising development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been included in the list of officials attending the highly anticipated peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict in Istanbul on Thursday. The Kremlin announced that the delegation would be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, leaving Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to express disappointment, having previously stated his readiness to meet Putin in person if he agreed to attend.
Zelensky confirmed that he will be in Ankara, where he is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The last time the two leaders met in person was in December 2019, and direct negotiations have not taken place since March 2022, just after Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Despite Putin's earlier push for direct discussions without preconditions in Turkey, the situation has evolved with increasing calls for peace from Western leaders, including a recent suggestion for a 30-day ceasefire. Following these developments, Zelensky declared on social media, "There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally."
The upcoming talks will also see the participation of a high-level delegation from the United States. Although President Trump, currently in Qatar, indicated a willingness to join if Putin attended, the exact dynamics remain uncertain. Notably, Trump claimed to have re-established communication lines with Russia, previously stating that Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal."
US diplomat Marco Rubio has already arrived in Turkey and is set to meet with NATO foreign ministers on Thursday, reflecting the US's active role in promoting peace talks. In discussions with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Rubio reiterated the country's commitment to facilitate a peaceful resolution and urged Russia to respond positively to Ukraine's constructive steps.
As the situation evolves, the absence of Putin at such a pivotal moment raises questions about the potential for genuine dialogue and resolution to the ongoing conflict that has devastated Ukraine since 2022. The international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these talks and the responses from both Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky confirmed that he will be in Ankara, where he is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The last time the two leaders met in person was in December 2019, and direct negotiations have not taken place since March 2022, just after Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Despite Putin's earlier push for direct discussions without preconditions in Turkey, the situation has evolved with increasing calls for peace from Western leaders, including a recent suggestion for a 30-day ceasefire. Following these developments, Zelensky declared on social media, "There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally."
The upcoming talks will also see the participation of a high-level delegation from the United States. Although President Trump, currently in Qatar, indicated a willingness to join if Putin attended, the exact dynamics remain uncertain. Notably, Trump claimed to have re-established communication lines with Russia, previously stating that Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal."
US diplomat Marco Rubio has already arrived in Turkey and is set to meet with NATO foreign ministers on Thursday, reflecting the US's active role in promoting peace talks. In discussions with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Rubio reiterated the country's commitment to facilitate a peaceful resolution and urged Russia to respond positively to Ukraine's constructive steps.
As the situation evolves, the absence of Putin at such a pivotal moment raises questions about the potential for genuine dialogue and resolution to the ongoing conflict that has devastated Ukraine since 2022. The international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these talks and the responses from both Russia and Ukraine.
