Putin had proposed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that it would be better to resolve issues through direct dialogue rather than through third-party mediation.
He had suggested holding the talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday.
However, citing the Kremlin, international media reported that while Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine, he himself would not be going to Istanbul.
According to U.S. media outlet CNN, Putin’s name is not on the list of delegates going to Istanbul for the talks.
The delegation, prepared by the Kremlin, will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, one of Putin’s top aides and a member of Russia’s Supreme Council Bureau. International media reported that there was a high possibility Zelensky himself would lead the Ukrainian delegation.
Following Putin’s proposal, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Zelensky to accept the offer. Zelensky, in response, agreed to attend the talks in Istanbul on Thursday. The talks were said to focus on establishing lasting peace and identifying the root causes of the war in order to find solutions.
On Tuesday, Zelensky stated that discussions would be limited only to a ceasefire. Shortly after, Putin also said that discussions on a new ceasefire could take place but emphasized that the root causes of the war should remain the priority.
However, with Putin not attending the talks himself, CNN reported that the proposed Istanbul meeting has become uncertain.
Zelensky had expressed his readiness to attend the Istanbul meeting but insisted that Putin himself must participate. He also said he would not meet with any other Russian representatives. “Everything in Russia depends on Putin,” Zelensky stated.
During a visit to the Gulf countries, Trump said he could not attend the Ukraine-Russia talks due to circumstances but added that both Zelensky and Putin would be happy if he were present. Zelensky agreed, saying Ukraine would be grateful if Trump were present at the talks.
However, by proposing talks and then not attending them himself, Putin once again revealed his delaying tactics. CNN also reported that this move indicates Putin is not genuinely interested in peace.
