What's happened
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the anticipated peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, despite Putin's proposal for direct negotiations with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his attendance, challenging Putin to meet face-to-face for the first time since 2019.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Absence of Leaders: The absence of both Putin and Trump significantly lowers expectations for meaningful progress in the talks. Their non-attendance suggests a lack of genuine commitment to resolving the conflict.
- Zelensky's Position: By attending despite the absence of Putin, Zelensky aims to demonstrate Ukraine's willingness to negotiate and highlight Russia's reluctance to engage in direct talks.
- International Pressure: The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny, with Western leaders urging both sides to reach a ceasefire. The dynamics of these talks reflect broader geopolitical tensions and the complexities of international diplomacy.
- Future Implications: The failure of these talks could lead to increased military aid for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia, as Zelensky has indicated that a lack of participation from Putin would warrant a strong response from the West.
What the papers say
According to Bel Trew from The Independent, Zelensky's decision to attend the talks is a strategic move to showcase Ukraine's commitment to peace, despite skepticism about Russia's intentions. Trew notes that Ukrainian officials believe Putin's absence signals a lack of genuine interest in negotiations. Meanwhile, The Japan Times highlights that the Kremlin's delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, indicating a preference for lower-level discussions rather than direct engagement from Putin. The New Arab emphasizes that Trump's absence, despite earlier indications he might attend, further diminishes hopes for a breakthrough. This sentiment is echoed across multiple sources, illustrating a consensus on the challenges facing the peace talks.
How we got here
The proposed talks follow a prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated in February 2022. Recent calls for a ceasefire have been met with resistance from both sides, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Putin's absence?
- How might Zelensky's attendance affect negotiations?
- What are the next steps for Ukraine and Russia?
Common question
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What’s Next for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks?
As Ukraine and Russia prepare for crucial peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, 2025, the absence of key leaders like Trump and Putin raises questions about the negotiations' effectiveness. With Ukrainian President Zelensky insisting on a direct meeting with Putin, many are left wondering what this means for the future of peace in the region. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the current state of the talks.
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How Are Global Tensions Impacting Sports Events Like the IPL?
As international conflicts escalate, the world of sports is not immune to their effects. The recent suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan raises important questions about player safety, financial implications, and the future of sports events in conflict zones. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the impact of global tensions on sports.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart. With a population over 15 million, it is home to 18% of the population of Turkey. Istanbul is among the largest cities in Europe and in the world.