**Vladimir Putin will not participate in peace discussions regarding the Ukraine war set to take place in Istanbul, instead sending a representative. Zelensky aims to engage directly with Putin to hasten resolution.**
**Putin Absent from Major Peace Talks in Turkey Amid Ukraine Conflict**
**Putin Absent from Major Peace Talks in Turkey Amid Ukraine Conflict**
**Both Ukrainian President and US Officials Push for Progress in Ongoing Negotiations**
Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence from the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul has raised eyebrows amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin will not be attending the meeting set for Thursday. Instead, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead Russia's delegation to the discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vocalized his desire for a face-to-face meeting with Putin. Advocating for direct negotiations, Zelensky had declared his intention to travel to Turkey, expressing hope for an in-person dialogue with the Russian leader. Their last meeting was recorded in December 2019, and direct negotiations have been sparse since Russia's full-scale invasion began in March 2022.
In the context of international concerns over the long-running conflict, President Putin initially proposed these direct talks "without pre-conditions." This suggestion came on the heels of Western leaders advocating for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. Zelensky, who is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, has affirmed his commitment to these efforts.
Interestingly, former US President Donald Trump has also entered the discussion, suggesting he might be willing to attend the negotiations if it could catalyze an end to the war. While currently in Qatar, he hinted at the possibility of joining the talks, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
The US administration, led by top diplomat Marco Rubio, is dispatching a delegation to support Ukraine's peace initiatives. Rubio arrived in Turkey and is scheduled to meet with NATO foreign ministers and European counterparts in Istanbul. In talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Rubio underscored Ukraine's dedication to advancing peace solutions and urged Russia to follow suit.
As the conflict continues and territorial battles persist, the absence of both Putin and Zelensky from these negotiations presents challenges to achieving a resolution. The international focus remains on these pivotal discussions, with hopes that diplomatic efforts may yield meaningful outcomes in the quest for peace.
