• Putin skips Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, sending a deputy due to fear and security concerns, reflecting the ongoing tension.
• Zelensky will attend only if Putin joins and waits for Russia’s clear response, but Putin’s skipping raises doubts.
• The US supports peace efforts with a high-level delegation but Trump will not attend, aligning with Putin who also skips.

An insider revealed that Putin feels like a “dead man walking.” He fears assassination so much that he refuses to leave the Kremlin now. This fear keeps him isolated. It also affects his public appearances and decisions. This insider view helps explain why Putin skips the Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, despite calls for him to come.

The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s name does not appear on the list of officials attending the peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday. Instead, Russia will send presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead the delegation. This choice surprised many, as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed his hope to meet Putin in person. Zelensky said he would only attend the talks if Putin came too. But Putin chose to stay away and skips instead.

Zelensky Awaits Russia’s Response Before Taking Next Steps

Zelensky plans to attend the talks only if Putin agrees to be there. He emphasized that a direct meeting with Putin could help end the war. In his nightly video message, Zelensky said he waits to see who Russia sends before deciding Ukraine’s next moves. So far, Zelensky finds Russia’s media signals unclear and unconvincing. He remains cautious but hopeful.

Donald Trump Will Skip Talks Despite Earlier Hints of Attendance

US President Donald Trump will not attend the Istanbul talks, media reports say. Trump had hinted he might go if Putin joined. He also suggested he wanted to help end the war personally. However, Trump will remain in Qatar. Despite his absence, the US will send a strong delegation to Turkey. Senator Marco Rubio arrived in Turkey on Wednesday to take part in talks and meetings with NATO allies.

The Talks Will Take Place in Istanbul’s Historic Dolmabahce Palace

The peace talks will start at 10:00 local time (08:00 BST) on Thursday in Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace. Officials will hold the meeting behind closed doors, away from the media. On the same day, Zelensky will visit Ankara to meet Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These meetings show Turkey’s growing role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict.

Putin and Zelensky Have Not Met Since 2019; War Has Continued

Putin and Zelensky last met face-to-face in December 2019. The last direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul in March 2022, soon after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Fighting has raged since then. Russian troops have slowly gained more ground, especially in eastern Ukraine. The war remains intense and costly for both sides.

Putin’s Call for Talks Came After Western Leaders’ Ceasefire Proposal

On Sunday, Putin called for talks in Istanbul without preconditions. This followed a call from Western leaders for a 30-day ceasefire after their meeting in Kyiv. Zelensky then said he would attend the talks in person if Putin came as well. He wrote on social media that there is no point in continuing the killing. He promised to wait for Putin in Turkey.

Trump Suggested He Might Join the Talks to Help End the War

After Putin’s announcement, Trump urged Ukraine to accept the peace offer. He said the war must stop. Trump said he might attend the talks if Putin agreed. But later, Trump said he wasn’t sure if Putin would come without him there. Still, the US intends to play a key diplomatic role by sending top officials to Turkey.

US Senator Marco Rubio Arrives in Turkey to Support Peace Efforts

Marco Rubio, the US senator, arrived in Turkey on Wednesday. He plans to meet NATO foreign ministers and then travel to Istanbul for talks about Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met Rubio to confirm Ukraine’s strong support for US peace efforts. Sybiha urged Russia to respond positively to Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate.

Trump Has Tried to Broker Peace Since Returning to White House

Since returning to office, Trump has worked to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He ended a long Western boycott by calling Putin in February. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, also met Putin in Moscow. Trump believes Russia and Ukraine are close to a deal. On his social media platform, he called the upcoming talks “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.”

The Outcome of Talks Depends on Russia’s Willingness to Negotiate

These talks mark a critical moment in the Ukraine war. Both sides hope for progress, but much depends on Russia’s seriousness. Zelensky wants direct dialogue with Putin to end the fighting. Putin’s refusal to attend in person and his skipping of key events may delay the peace process. The world watches closely, hoping for peace and stability in the region.