Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the much-anticipated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled to begin in Istanbul today, despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s call for both leaders to appear in person. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on May 14 that there are “no plans” for Putin to participate directly, as Russia prepares to send a high-level delegation to the negotiation table.

The decision comes as direct talks between Moscow and Kiev are set to resume for the first time since the abortive peace effort in 2022, which saw both parties edge close to a draft treaty before Ukraine withdrew amid pressure and support from Western allies. This week’s resumption is viewed by many as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, though the atmosphere remains tense and the expectations tempered.

Putin’s absence from the Istanbul summit is not unexpected. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov swiftly quashed any speculation about a potential appearance, particularly after US President Donald Trump stated he was considering a visit to Türkiye on May 16 “if something happened.” In response, Trump added that Putin had “no reason to go” since he himself had not committed to attending.

Ukrainian President Zelensky, however, had challenged Putin to join him in Istanbul, expressing a willingness to personally travel to the negotiating venue and signaling what appeared to be a dramatic effort to project leadership and confidence on the international stage.

This political choreography underscores the symbolic weight both leaders attach to the optics of the negotiations. While Zelensky’s presence might be aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s diplomatic standing, the Kremlin appears to favor a strategy........

© Blitz