A critical peace summit aimed at halting the Ukraine-Russia conflict is set to begin this afternoon in Istanbul, but neither U.S. President Donald Trump nor Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend, casting doubts on the talks’ potential for progress. Hosted by Turkey, the meeting seeks to facilitate direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, yet the absence of both leaders has lowered expectations for a breakthrough.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be present, having insisted on face-to-face talks with Putin to secure a ceasefire. However, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin will not join the Russian delegation, instead sending a team led by Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, which BBC described as a lower-level group unlikely to meet Zelensky’s demands. Trump, who had tied his attendance to Putin’s participation, will also stay away, with U.S. officials confirming to Sky News that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff will represent Washington instead.
The summit follows weeks of diplomatic efforts, with Zelensky pushing for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and European allies threatening Russia with sanctions if it fails to engage. Putin proposed the Istanbul talks but rejected the ceasefire precondition, demanding that Kyiv recognize Russia’s control over occupied territories. Sky News reported that Zelensky’s attendance, despite Putin’s absence, aims to maintain U.S. support, though the talks’ outcome remains uncertain.
As the afternoon session begins, Ukrainian officials will emphasize territorial integrity, while Russia’s delegation is expected to reiterate demands for concessions. With Trump and Putin absent, the Istanbul summit risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a step toward ending the nearly four-year conflict.
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