Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming ceasefire talks in Turkey, according to the Kremlin. This decision raises questions about whether Ukraine will even participate in the discussions scheduled for Monday, June 2nd, in Istanbul.
The talks are meant to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with representatives from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany confirmed to attend. However, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that the Russian delegation would consist of the same negotiators from the previous round of talks in mid-May. This suggests there will be no high-level discussions involving the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, which had been suggested by President Donald Trump.
Trump has emphasized the importance of a meeting between the leaders to foster peace. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s participation remains uncertain, as officials in Kyiv are keeping their plans under wraps, creating speculation about their next steps.
A key point of contention is the exchange of negotiating points. Ukraine wants these points shared ahead of the talks, while Russia insists on discussing them only in person. Putin’s spokesman stated that negotiations should be private, which has frustrated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He pointed out that despite promises from Russia to share their proposals, no documents have been provided to Ukraine or its allies, including Turkey, which hosted the first meeting.
Zelensky criticized Russia for not being transparent, saying it undermines the potential for meaningful discussions. He stressed that for the talks to be productive, there must be a clear agenda and proper preparation. He accused Russia of trying to make the upcoming meeting unproductive.
In a notable shift, this round of talks will also include representatives from major European nations, which have previously been sidelined. Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, confirmed that national security advisors from the UK, France, and Germany would be present. Russia welcomed this involvement but maintained that the focus should remain on direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
As the situation develops, Trump has expressed frustration with the slow progress toward peace. He has warned that Russia’s actions could lead to serious consequences for its own future, urging a more decisive approach to resolving the conflict.