Putin and Trump Skip Turkey Peace Talks Amid Ukraine Conflict

KYIV, Ukraine — Hopes for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey on Thursday were dashed as both leaders, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, opted to skip the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had come under pressure from Trump to attend but insisted his participation depended on Putin’s attendance.

Putin had indicated last Sunday that he was open to holding direct negotiations without preconditions, yet his name was missing from a Kremlin announcement on the delegation traveling to Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dodged questions about the president’s travel plans, stating instead that Putin had “work meetings.” The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, accompanied by key officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

The absence of both major figures raised questions about the talks, expected to begin at 10 a.m. Moscow time. Zelenskyy expressed skepticism on social media, saying he would assess the situation based on the representatives sent by Russia. “So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing,” he remarked.

Despite urging from Trump for Ukraine to agree to talks immediately, Zelenskyy reiterated his conditions, stating he hoped for a ceasefire before any discussions could take place. Trump had asserted that Ukraine should participate to gauge the potential for a deal, expressing doubts about reaching an agreement with Putin.

As tensions persist, Andrii Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, was expected to attend the talks, although his attendance remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the same day.

The backdrop of these developments includes Ukraine’s demand for a 30-day ceasefire before negotiations, a proposal that Moscow rejected, insisting on direct discussions instead. Zelenskyy previously issued a decree declaring negotiations with Putin impossible following Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories in 2022.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Russia resumed drone attacks in Ukraine early Sunday, launching more than 100 drones, and Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting a majority of them. This escalation in military actions underscores the fragility of any potential diplomatic resolution. Zelenskyy has been vocal about the need for a ceasefire to facilitate meaningful dialogue and insists on waiting for Russia’s clear response.