Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Hang in Balance After Putin Skips Out

What Happened?

Russian and Ukrainian representatives gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, for their first meeting since leading up to Moscow's 3-year-old invasion in Kyiv.

Thursday's peace talks did not include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as many had hoped for.

Despite Zelensky issuing Putin an invitation, the Kremlin told reporters that Putin would not be taking part.

Instead, Russia's delegation was led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinksy in a decision made public on the eve of the talks.

Medinsky insisted his team came prepared with full authority to negotiate.

But Zelensky reportedly accuses Putin of being afraid to meet again.

According to NPR, the two leaders have not had a face-to-face meeting since 2019.

A face-to-face meeting was highly anticipated as the countries continue exchanging attacks.

'We need to understand the level of the Russian delegation, what their mandate is and whether they are capable of making any decisions on their own,' Zelensky said after arriving in Turkey's capital, Ankara.

Although Zelensky was set to attend peace talks in Istanbul, he later decided to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

President Donald Trump had suggested 'nothing's going to happen' until he and Putin get together.

'He was going to go, but he thought I was going to go. He wasn't going if I wasn't there,' Trump said aboard Air Force One Thursday. 'We're going to have to get it solved, because too many people are dying.'

Why it Matters

The Kremlin reportedly declined for days to say who would be attending the summit.

It caused much criticism over the fact that Putin had suggested the proposed talks.

Ministers from NATO countries have reportedly criticized Putin's decision to forgo attending the Turkey summit and instead send lesser-ranked officials.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the move a 'slap in the face for Ukraine and for all of us.'

'Putin is not taking this opportunity very seriously, and we must continue to support Ukraine,' Tsahkna stated.

Netherlands' Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp backed those claims after reportedly calling Putin's move an insult.

Moscow had rejected the U.S. call for a 30-day ceasefire, after hosting its unilateral three-day ceasefire in recognition of 'Victory Day.'

But Russia's delegation told reporters in Istanbul that the goal to establish long-term peace remains the same.

How it Affects You

As Ukrainian support grows stronger, it could certainly pose more challenge for Russia.

Russia's stagnation has been called into question as patience is running low for results from world leaders.

Putin's attempt to counteroffer an ultimatum of a ceasefire could certainly backfire with newly imposed sanctions by Western allies.

If the two sides have any hopes of a ceasefire, the next 30 days will be critical.