Putin and Trump Ditch Zelenskyy: The Implications of Their Abandoned Peace Talks in Turkey

The Unfolding Situation Between Ukraine and Russia

The hope for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey recently faded when both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump decided not to attend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced pressure to meet, but he maintained he would only go if Putin was there too.

Last Sunday, Putin hinted he was open to direct talks without conditions. However, as the date approached, the Kremlin did not confirm his attendance. His spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, avoided direct questions about whether Putin would travel to Turkey, citing "work meetings" instead.

The Russian team headed for Istanbul without Putin will include key figures like presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. They had a late-night meeting to prepare for talks, underscoring the significance of the discussions.

In the U.S., high-level officials including Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg were set to be in Istanbul while Trump opted out. He had previously urged Ukraine to engage in talks right away, stating that even a failed meeting could clarify the situation.

Zelenskyy expressed doubts about the negotiations, revealing he wanted to see who represented Russia before deciding on Ukraine’s next steps. He voiced his skepticism on social media, saying, “So far, their media signals are unconvincing.”

This situation has left many wondering if Zelenskyy will still attend, especially after the absence of both Trump and Putin becomes evident. Andrii Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, was expected at the talks, but there’s no confirmation of his participation as of now.

Historically, attempts for peace talks have seen various challenges. Back in 1994, during the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine committed to giving up its nuclear arsenal in return for security assurances from Russia, the UK, and the U.S. Fast forward to today, and the global stakes seem higher than ever as tensions continue.

Social Media Sentiment

Public reaction on platforms like Twitter and Facebook reflects confusion and frustration. Users are debating whether these talks could lead anywhere meaningful or if they are just a formality.

In summary, the path to peace remains uncertain. The absence of major figures like Putin and Trump raises questions about the potential outcomes. All eyes will be on Turkey to see how the situation unfolds.

For further understanding of the geopolitical tensions, you can read detailed analyses from reputable sources like The Brookings Institution.

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Vladimir Putin,United States,Donald Trump,Foreign policy,Volodymyr Zelenskyy,Recep Tayyip Erdogan,Ukraine,business news