Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has opted not to attend the latest round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, citing concerns over Russia’s commitment to genuine negotiations. Instead, he has dispatched a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. This decision follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s choice to send a lower-level delegation headed by aide Vladimir Medinsky, rather than attending in person.
Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s delegation as lacking the authority to make substantive decisions, describing it as a “dummy” team. He emphasized Ukraine’s desire for a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia continues to push for broader negotiations that include territorial concessions and the abandonment of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations—terms Kyiv firmly rejects.
The absence of both Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in mediating the conflict, has led to skepticism about the potential success of the talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that a significant breakthrough is unlikely without direct engagement between Trump and Putin.
Despite these challenges, the talks are proceeding at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, with Turkey positioning itself as a mediator. However, the lack of high-level participation and ongoing disagreements over key issues suggest that a resolution remains elusive.
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