The Kremlin confirmed President Vladimir Putin will skip Thursday’s Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, defying Zelensky’s calls for direct negotiations. Russia’s delegation will instead feature presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, as confirmed by an official Kremlin statement.
Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet Putin in person if the Russian president agreed to attend the negotiations. He emphasized his determination to facilitate a face-to-face meeting, stating, “I will do everything I can to ensure this happens.” However, Zelensky will only engage in direct talks in Istanbul if Putin is present.
Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump will also not attend the talks, despite earlier suggestions he might join if Putin participated. Meanwhile, Zelensky will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday. He reiterated his commitment to attending the Istanbul talks, contingent on Putin’s presence.
Uncertain Signals from Russia
In his nightly video address, Zelensky remarked, “I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take.” He expressed skepticism about the signals coming from Russia, describing them as unconvincing. The last in-person meeting between Putin and Zelensky occurred in December 2019, while direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine last took place in March 2022.
Since the invasion, fighting has continued in Ukraine, with Russian forces gradually expanding their control, particularly in the eastern regions. On Sunday, Putin called for direct talks in Turkey’s largest city “without pre-conditions.” This proposal followed calls from Western powers for a 30-day ceasefire after European leaders convened in Kyiv.
The United States plans to send a high-level delegation to the talks. Marco Rubio, the country’s top diplomat, arrived in Turkey on Wednesday and will meet NATO foreign ministers on Thursday. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Rubio on Wednesday evening, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to U.S. peace efforts.
Trump’s Role in Peace Efforts
Rubio will continue to Istanbul on Friday for discussions with European counterparts about the war in Ukraine. When asked about Putin’s attendance, Rubio did not provide a response. Since returning to the White House, Trump has sought to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, ending a long-standing Western boycott of Putin.
Trump previously stated that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal.” Following Putin’s proposal for direct talks, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, declaring, “A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!”
