Putin, Trump Skip Istanbul Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will not attend the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, with Putin sending a delegation led by aide Vladimir Medinsky. Trump, who had previously suggested he might attend if Putin did, has also opted out. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains open to negotiations, but its approach will depend on the composition of the Russian delegation. The absence of both Putin and Trump has lowered expectations for a major diplomatic breakthrough at the talks. These negotiations are part of ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict, though the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain.