Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelenkie will not take part in the upcoming peace negotiations held in Istanbul, which will begin on Thursday.
Instead, Russia will be represented by a delegation from Vladimir Medinsky, the president’s aide who previously led the 2022 negotiations, which had not been decided. Foreign Minister Mikhail Garzin and Deputy Minister of Defense Alexander Fomin are with him.
Zelenskyy said he was ready to talk directly with Putin about how the conflict could end.
However, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin will not be participating in the Istanbul summit. Zelenskyy responds by saying, “We are not afraid of meetings,” emphasizing Ukraine’s willingness to accompany dialogue.
President Donald Trump, former US president, will also be absent due to planning the conflict, who announced that Putin could be involved if he joined. Nevertheless, he expressed his support for peace negotiations. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio will act as representative of the United States. Lula da Silva’s Brazilian President Luis actively encourages Putin to participate in negotiations and emphasizes the importance of direct involvement.
Despite his efforts, including a telephone conversation with Putin, the Russian guide has not yet visited the summit. Turkey, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine, continues to occupy the position of intermediaries. Recep Tayyip Erdoä Türkiye’s willingness highlights the country’s strategic role and previous participation in mediation efforts to respond and promote peace negotiations.
The lack of Putin and Zelenkie in the Istanbul Association blames the uncertainty of the possibility of major advances. However, the participation of delegations of both countries and international interest groups reflects ongoing efforts to apply for conflict resolution.
