As Russian and Ukrainian delegations meet in Turkey, the key players are absent. What can really be achieved without the leaders?
Istanbul hosts the talks, but leaders are missing
The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, held in Istanbul, begin under a cloud of skepticism. The absence of the main leaders — Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Donald Trump — casts doubt on any real breakthrough.
Leading the Russian delegation is Vladimir Medinsky, former Culture Minister and current advisor to Putin. The Ukrainian side is represented by Foreign Minister Sybiha and Defense Minister Umerov.
Zelensky chooses Ankara over Istanbul
Rather than attending the talks in Istanbul, President Zelensky chose to meet President Erdogan in Ankara, where he discussed next steps for Ukraine. After the meeting, Zelensky reiterated that a “just peace must include the full territorial integrity of Ukraine”, highlighting Turkey’s recognition of Crimea as Ukrainian as a significant diplomatic gesture.
Zelensky again expressed willingness for direct dialogue with Putin, but stated that Russia does not seem to take the negotiations seriously.
Trump stirs tension: “Nothing will happen without Putin and me”
Donald Trump, currently touring the Middle East, has made bold statements on the negotiations. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route from Qatar to the UAE, he said:
“Nothing will happen until I meet with Putin.”
Although he hinted at the possibility of going to Turkey, Trump clarified he would only attend if the talks showed tangible progress. Meanwhile, he expressed optimism regarding a potential nuclear agreement with Iran, intertwining that discussion with the broader geopolitical picture.
Can there be peace without the principals?
The situation is clear: the most powerful voices are absent, and the world is left watching ministers talk. While diplomats engage in Istanbul, the decisions lie elsewhere.
Putin remains out of reach, Zelensky moves strategically, and Trump positions himself as a global mediator. But without a face-to-face confrontation between these leaders, can a real and lasting peace be negotiated?
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