Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the much-anticipated peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, choosing instead to send a team of seasoned negotiators to represent Russia. This decision comes after days of speculation about whether Putin or other world leaders, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, would participate in what could be the first direct Moscow-Kyiv talks in three years.

Who Will Represent Russia?

Late Wednesday, the Kremlin revealed the names of its delegation. The Russian team will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and Igor Kostyukov, the head of Russia’s military intelligence agency. The delegation is also supported by a group of experts in diplomacy, military affairs, and humanitarian policy.

Why Is Putin Not Attending?

Putin had initially proposed direct talks with Ukraine “without any conditions” and suggested Istanbul as the venue. However, he never confirmed his own attendance. The Kremlin’s announcement that Putin will not be present is seen as a move to maintain flexibility and avoid direct confrontation at the highest level. Some analysts believe Putin’s absence signals a cautious approach, possibly to test the waters before making any major commitments.

What About Other Leaders?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the talks in person. He had previously stated he would only participate if Putin was present, challenging the Russian leader to join the discussions “if he’s not afraid.” U.S. President Trump, who had encouraged both sides to negotiate and called for a 30-day ceasefire, also decided not to attend, sending his Secretary of State and other envoys instead.

What Will Be Discussed?

The talks are expected to focus on finding a path to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Key topics likely include a possible ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners of war, and broader security issues. However, there are doubts about how much progress can be made without the direct involvement of the top leaders, especially since past negotiations broke down over major disagreements about territory and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Significance of the Talks

This meeting marks a significant step, as it is the first direct negotiation attempt since 2022. The presence of experienced Russian officials suggests Moscow is serious about the process, but Putin’s absence may limit the scope for any breakthrough agreement. Observers will be watching closely to see if these talks can lay the groundwork for a lasting peace, or if they will end in anotherdeadlock.