By Gloria Nosa
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined to attend the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in over three years, opting instead to send a lower-level delegation to Istanbul. This move has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who labeled the Russian delegation a “dummy” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to serious negotiations.
Putin’s decision not to engage directly with Zelenskyy stems from his assertion that the Ukrainian president is “illegitimate,” citing the expiration of Zelenskyy’s term under martial law. In response, Zelenskyy accused Putin of being “afraid of negotiations” and employing “cynical tricks” to prolong the nearly three-year conflict.
The talks in Istanbul are being hosted by Turkey, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meeting the Russian delegation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff are also participating. However, both Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump have chosen not to attend, a decision seen as a setback for the peace process.
The international community has expressed skepticism about the potential outcomes of these talks. European leaders have called for increased pressure on Russia and have warned of renewed sanctions should the stalemate continue. Meanwhile, the European Union has imposed its 17th round of sanctions, targeting Russia’s shadow oil tanker fleet, although natural gas imports will continue under short-term contracts until a total ban comes into effect in 2027.
Despite the absence of key leaders, the talks represent a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a sustainable peace
