Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the peace talks scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, despite calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and diplomatic appeals from global leaders like Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Kremlin announced on Wednesday a delegation of eight representatives—four negotiators and four experts—who will speak on behalf of Russia, explicitly leaving Putin out of the lineup.
Among the appointed representatives is Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential adviser and former culture minister known for his hawkish stance. He is joined by Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and Igor Kostyukov, the Director of the GRU, Russia’s Foreign Military Intelligence Agency. All three officials previously engaged in negotiations during the early phases of the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed skepticism about the talks, indicating that Kyiv would await confirmation of Russia’s delegation before deciding on its next steps. In his nightly address, he remarked, “I am waiting to see who will arrive from Russia and then I will determine what steps Ukraine should take. The signals in the media so far are unconvincing.” He criticized Russia for its ongoing military aggression, stating, “It is now more obvious to the entire world than at any other point during the full-scale war… that the only obstacle to establishing peace is the lack of a clear will from Russia to do so.”
In a separate development, former US President Donald Trump, who previously hinted at traveling to Turkey if Putin were present, has confirmed he will not attend the talks. Trump, who has proposed a 30-day ceasefire and sought a quick resolution between the two nations, expressed frustration at the lack of commitment from both Moscow and Kyiv. “I’m always considering secondary sanctions against Moscow if I think they are blocking the process,” he stated.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva spoke directly with Putin on Wednesday, encouraging him to attend the Istanbul negotiations. Lula emphasized Brazil’s dedication to peace and reiterated his willingness to assist in finding a resolution between Russia and Ukraine.
This week’s negotiations are perceived as a continuation of the failed talks from 2022, which ended without any progress. A meeting between Putin and Zelensky would mark their first dialogue since December 2019. The diplomatic impasse has taken on a symbolic nature, with Zelensky asserting he would only attend if Putin did, framing it as a crucial indicator of willingness to achieve peace.
As the diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, the international community remains hopeful that these talks may pave the way for a potential breakthrough, although skepticism abounds. Zelensky’s cautious approach reflects a growing concern about Russia’s intentions and the wider implications for global stability.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/russia-president-putin-skips-istanbul-peace-talks-delegation-named-amid-zelensky-trump-pressure-11747257063161.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 02:58:00
