Russian President Vladimir Putin is not expected to attend peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing readiness to meet him in person. According to the Kremlin, Russia will instead be represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.
Zelensky, who is set to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara the same day, had stated he would participate in the Istanbul talks only if Putin was present. “So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing,” Zelensky said in his nightly address, signaling disappointment with Russia’s response.
The Ukrainian leader had emphasized the urgency of ending the war and said he would go to Istanbul “personally” if Putin showed up, reaffirming his willingness to engage in direct dialogue.
The last time Putin and Zelensky met in person was in December 2019, and the two countries last held face-to-face talks in March 2022 in Istanbul, soon after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Since then, the conflict has intensified, with Russian forces gradually increasing control in eastern Ukraine.
Putin recently called for direct negotiations in Istanbul without preconditions, a move that followed calls from Western leaders for a 30-day ceasefire. Zelensky responded by saying he would attend if Putin did, in a bid to prevent further bloodshed.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously hinted he might attend if Putin were present, will also not be in Istanbul. However, the U.S. will be represented by a high-level delegation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Turkey on Wednesday and is expected to participate in NATO meetings and later join talks in Istanbul.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Rubio and affirmed Ukraine’s support for U.S.-led peace efforts, urging Russia to match Ukraine’s constructive approach.
Meanwhile, Trump, who has resumed diplomatic efforts since returning to the White House, claimed he has spoken with Putin and that both sides were once “very close to a deal.” He hailed Putin’s proposal for talks as “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” on his Truth Social platform.
