Hopes for a crucial peace meeting between Ukraine and Russia leaders in Istanbul on Thursday were dashed as both Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump opted to skip the highly anticipated trip. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been under increasing pressure from Trump to participate in the peace talks, but he made it clear that his attendance was contingent upon the presence of the Russian president.
Last Sunday, Russian President Putin indicated a willingness to engage in direct negotiations with President Zelenskyy without any preconditions in Istanbul. However, he did not confirm his attendance at the talks in person. The Kremlin's official announcement on Wednesday evening revealed a delegation to be sent to Istanbul, notably omitting Putin's name from the list.
The Kremlin maintained a level of ambiguity regarding Putin's participation, with his Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov avoiding direct answers to reporters' questions about the president's travel plans. When asked if Putin would be traveling to Turkey, Peskov stated that the president had "work meetings" scheduled instead.
The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, also included Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and senior military official Igor Kostyukov. Despite Putin's absence from the peace talks, the Kremlin noted that he held a late-night meeting with several top Russian officials to discuss the upcoming negotiations.
Following the Kremlin's announcement, a senior official from the White House informed NBC News about the U.S. envoys traveling to Istanbul. Notable figures like Steve Witkoff, Keith Kellogg, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were confirmed to attend, although Trump himself would not be making the trip.
President Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism regarding the talks, stating on Wednesday that he was still awaiting clarification on Russia's representatives before deciding on Ukraine's next steps. "So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing," he commented on the social media platform X.
Pressure mounted on Ukraine to partake in negotiations after Trump asserted on Sunday that Ukraine should agree to meet with Russia immediately. He emphasized that participating in the talks would allow both sides to determine the feasibility of a deal, stating, "If it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!" Trump further expressed doubts about Ukraine's willingness to negotiate with Putin, urging, "HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!"
As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Zelenskyy will still attend the peace talks, which are scheduled to commence around 10 a.m. Moscow time, especially in light of Putin and Trump’s absence. Andrii Yermak, the head of Zelenskyy's office, was anticipated to be part of the negotiations, but no official confirmation has been received regarding his participation.
Additionally, Zelenskyy is set to meet with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday, further complicating the dynamics of the ongoing situation. The absence of key leaders raises questions about the prospects for peace in the region as the world watches the developments closely.
