Putin Skips Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey: What It Means for Diplomatic Relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t attend the peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday. Instead, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead Russia’s delegation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire to meet Putin face-to-face during these discussions.

Zelensky has been vocal about wanting this direct engagement, stating he would do everything to make it happen. He will be in Ankara on Thursday for a meeting with Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The last time Putin and Zelensky met was in December 2019. Their previous direct negotiations took place in March 2022, right after Russia’s invasion began. Since then, fighting in Ukraine has continued, with Russia gaining territory, particularly in the east.

Putin initially called for talks in Turkey without conditions, hoping to ease tensions. Following this, Western leaders urged a 30-day ceasefire, rekindling interest in dialogue.

Trump also joined the conversation, suggesting he might attend the meeting if Putin did. He mentioned that he believed such a meeting could help end the war.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are preparing to join the talks. Marco Rubio, a top U.S. diplomat, arrived in Turkey and met with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to peace efforts. Rubio will then proceed to Istanbul to meet European leaders to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

User reactions on social media reflect a mix of skepticism and hope regarding these talks. Many express doubt that significant progress will be made without Putin’s direct involvement. However, some optimistic voices highlight the importance of any discussion as a step towards ending the violence.

The conflict’s impact is far-reaching. Reports indicate that the war has displaced millions and led to a humanitarian crisis. According to a recent UN report, nearly 8 million people have fled Ukraine.

In this complex geopolitical landscape, every effort for dialogue counts. While uncertainty remains, both the call for peace and the desire for dialogue persist among leaders and citizens alike.



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