Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have confirmed they will not attend the first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since 2022, scheduled in Istanbul.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he will only participate in negotiations if Putin is present, further complicating the prospects of meaningful dialogue.
• The Russian delegation, led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, has been criticized by Zelenskyy as lacking decision-making authority.
• The U.S. delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior envoys, remains on standby, while Trump has suggested that progress hinges on direct engagement between himself and Putin.
• Turkey, hosting the talks, emphasizes the opportunity for peace, but the absence of key leaders and unresolved preconditions for a 30-day ceasefire leave the outcome uncertain.