ISTANBUL, May 15 – Hopes for renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been thrown into disarray after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to attend in person, opting instead to dispatch a delegation of lower-ranking officials to Turkey. The talks, which were expected to mark a significant diplomatic step forward after months of military stalemate, were scheduled to take place in Istanbul. However, conflicting statements from Russian and Turkish officials have only deepened uncertainty surrounding the event.
While Moscow claimed that its delegation was in Istanbul and ready to begin negotiations in the latter part of the day, Turkish authorities said no official meeting had yet been scheduled. The absence of a concrete timeline has fueled speculation about whether any real progress can be achieved. Putin’s decision to remain absent has raised serious concerns among diplomats and international observers, who were hopeful that a high-level engagement might lead to meaningful dialogue.
Upon arriving in Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made no effort to hide his irritation over the unfolding situation. He criticized the Russian delegation as largely symbolic and questioned whether they held any genuine authority to negotiate. “We need clarity on who is representing Russia and whether they have the power to make decisions,” he stated, adding that Ukraine would wait to finalize its position until after consultations with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
Tensions Rise Amid Diplomatic Standstill
Adding to the complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump, who is currently touring the Gulf region, said there would be no progress unless he personally meets with Putin. Speaking aboard Air Force One before landing in Dubai, Trump told reporters, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.” His remarks appear to undermine any independent diplomatic effort by Ukraine and Russia and reinforce the perception that global powers remain deeply entangled in the conflict.
Putin’s absence, along with Trump’s remarks, has forced diplomats to reevaluate the chances of making any meaningful progress. Despite the uncertainty, Russia maintains that its delegation — which includes a deputy foreign minister, a deputy defense minister, and presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky — is fully authorized and prepared for serious discussions. Medinsky, a controversial figure known for shaping public narratives around the war, previously led the Russian team during early-stage negotiations in 2022.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the conflict continues unabated. Russian forces have reportedly gained more ground in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Moscow’s insistence on territorial concessions and demands for Ukraine to forgo NATO aspirations remain the primary roadblocks to any resolution. Ukraine, on the other hand, is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire along with firm security assurances from leading global powers.
Zelenskiy’s proposal for an immediate truce underscores Kyiv’s urgency to halt the bloodshed, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and immense destruction. Yet Putin insists that such proposals can only be discussed after preliminary talks — a stance that many view as a stalling tactic.
The atmosphere in Istanbul reflects this stalemate. Nearly 200 members of the press assembled outside the Dolmabahce Palace, the location originally anticipated for the talks. However, as time passed with no clear movement, questions mounted over the seriousness of the Russian side’s intentions. Earlier this week, Zelenskiy openly challenged Putin to attend the talks face-to-face, suggesting he didn’t have the courage for a direct encounter.
From Moscow’s perspective, the challenge was brushed aside. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was “too early” to determine if or when Putin would participate directly. “The Russian delegation is ready and waiting,” he said, without offering further details.
European officials have also weighed in. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked that Ukraine’s commitment to talks was evident through Zelenskiy’s presence, while the absence of Putin sent a contrary message. “An empty chair marks where Putin was expected to sit. He is stalling, even when President Trump is prepared to assist in mediation,” Barrot commented.
The broader context only adds to the tension. Estonia reported a brief incursion by a Russian military jet into NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, as its navy attempted to intercept an oil tanker suspected of violating sanctions through a covert “shadow fleet.” This incident highlights the fragility of the current geopolitical situation and underscores how peace efforts remain vulnerable to sudden escalations.
As things stand, the prospect of real negotiations appears bleak. Unless Putin agrees to sit down personally and engage in substantive dialogue, any progress seems unlikely. Ukraine continues to push for international backing and tangible steps toward peace, but with no unified commitment from Russia’s leadership, the road ahead remains uncertain.
What could have been a turning point in Istanbul now risks becoming yet another missed opportunity in a war that has already dragged on far too long.