The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years commenced in Istanbul on Thursday, but without the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. This high-stakes negotiation marks a critical attempt to find a resolution to the protracted conflict that erupted in 2022.
Despite earlier indications of his involvement, Putin has opted not to participate in the initial phase of the talks. The Kremlin, in a statement late on Wednesday, confirmed that the Russian delegation would include presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. However, Putin’s name was notably absent from the list, a move seen as a strategic calculation amid ongoing international scrutiny.
The absence of the Russian and US presidents has tempered expectations for a significant breakthrough in the ongoing conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
President Zelensky, however, has confirmed his intent to participate, having earlier challenged Putin to join the discussions “if he’s not afraid.”
“The answers to all questions about this war – why it started, why it continues – all these answers are in Moscow,” Zelensky said. “How the war will end depends on the world.”
The Turkish-hosted talks come amid a tense backdrop, with US President Trump currently on a three-nation tour of the Middle East. The US leader, despite earlier hints of his participation, has ruled out attending, citing scheduling conflicts.
Also read: Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey: Know it all
Earlier this week, Trump had called for a 30-day ceasefire, describing the potential truce as a critical step towards ending the conflict. “We stopped a nuclear conflict. I think it could have been a bad nuclear war. Millions of people could have been killed,” Trump said, crediting his administration for averting a larger catastrophe.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed on Thursday that he had met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss Zelensky’s peace vision and coordinate their positions ahead of the talks.
“This is a critical week for Ukraine, and we are united in our approach,” Sybiha said.
Meanwhile, the Russian delegation, led by Medinsky and Fomin, includes several senior military and intelligence officials, reflecting Moscow’s desire to retain a firm grip on the negotiations. This comes as Putin, despite his absence, remains a central figure in the conflict’s resolution.
The last direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were held in Istanbul in March 2022, a month after Russian troops crossed into Ukraine in what Moscow termed a “special military operation.”
The talks are expected to cover a range of contentious issues, including potential prisoner swaps, border demarcations, and long-term security guarantees, though significant progress remains uncertain without direct involvement from the Russian and US presidents.
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