Putin, Zelensky Skip Istanbul Talks, Deadlock Ukraine Peace Efforts

Recent peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey have stalled as President Vladimir Putin declined to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in person, sending a mid-level delegation instead. Zelensky criticized Putin's absence as a personal disrespect to both him and U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the lack of a clear agenda and high-level engagement. Despite Trump's expressed willingness to mediate a direct meeting between the two leaders, Zelensky clarified that his visit and Ukraine's delegation were not personally coordinated with Trump, who is currently on a Middle East tour. Kremlin sources revealed that Putin had no intention of meeting Zelensky unless Ukraine capitulated, viewing the latter as an unequal counterpart, and used secrecy about travel plans as a strategic move. Both sides dispatched delegations to Istanbul, but the talks were described as deadlocked, with Ukraine demanding an immediate ceasefire and Russia cautious about a pause that might strengthen Ukraine militarily. The overall situation reflects deep mistrust and a lack of readiness from the Russian side to engage in meaningful negotiations without preconditions or high-level dialogue.