Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain uncertain after both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed they will not attend the summit in Turkey.
A U.S. official stated that Trump, who had previously suggested he might go if Putin did, has decided to skip the talks in Istanbul.
The Kremlin released its delegation list on Wednesday, excluding Putin. Instead, Russia will be represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and GRU intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisor reiterated that Zelensky will only meet directly with Putin—not with any Russian representatives. Zelensky said he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would wait for Putin in Ankara, adding, “If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it’s clear he does not want to end the war.”
Had the two leaders met in Turkey, it would have marked their first direct encounter since the war began three years ago. Putin originally suggested restarting direct, no-conditions talks last week, prompting Zelensky to challenge him to show up in person.
International pressure continues to mount on Moscow. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he is working with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham to craft a harsh sanctions package, including a 500% tariff on Russian oil.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also warned of increased sanctions if Putin refuses a ceasefire, backing a U.S.-led proposal for a 30-day halt in hostilities.
Retired U.S. Army General Jack Keane said he believes Putin is deliberately stalling to extract unreasonable concessions from Ukraine, including Zelensky’s removal, constitutional changes, and military disarmament. “He’s not ready for peace,” Keane said.
