President Vladimir Putin's absence from the delegation list for upcoming peace talks in Turkey, led by a hard-line aide, suggests a possible avoidance of face-to-face discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, former President Trump plans to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his place.
Absence of Putin at Upcoming Peace Talks in Turkey Raises Eyebrows
Absence of Putin at Upcoming Peace Talks in Turkey Raises Eyebrows
Kremlin officials will represent Russia in Turkey, hinting at a strategic distancing from direct dialogue with Ukraine.
On May 14, 2025, the Kremlin announced the list of officials set to attend peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey, notably excluding President Vladimir Putin. The omission indicates that Putin, who orchestrated the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, will not confront President Volodymyr Zelensky directly at the negotiations. Kremlin sources assert that Putin approved the delegation list himself, emphasizing a strategic choice in representation.
Former President Donald Trump had initially expressed interest in attending the talks, considering a flight to Turkey to potentially aid in conflict resolution. However, during a press conference, he ultimately confirmed he would not be attending and chose to proceed with his scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates instead, reiterating the importance of their planned itinerary. Despite his absence, Trump indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be present at the talks, reinforcing U.S. involvement in the dialogue, albeit at a lower level.
The decision not to send the Russian leader has sparked discussions and speculation about its implications for the peace process and how it might impact future negotiations between the two nations.
