VLADMIR Putin will not attend the crunch Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul this week, snubbing President Zelensky.
The list for the Russian delegation at Thursday’s meeting was released by the Kremlin – and Putin’s name was a glaring omission.
AFPPutin will not be in Istanbul on Thursday[/caption]
APRussian rockets continue to fly as peace talks grind on[/caption]
APThe aftermath of a Russian firestorm in Ukraine’s Sumy region on Wednesday[/caption]
Zelensky had challenged Putin to meet him face-to-face to hammer out a deal, but Putin has chosen to dodge the path to peace once again.
Shortly after it was established Putin was staying away, a US official confirmed that Trump would not be attending either – after previously hinting he might.
It’s not clear whether Zelensky will still go to Istanbul.
Speaking on Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump said: “[Putin] would like me to be there, and that’s a possibility.
“I don’t know that he would be there if I’m not there. We’re going to find out.”
Russia is still sending a troop of heavyweights – including a presidential advisor, top diplomat, and senior military and intelligence officials – but Putin’s absence is significant.
Turning up would have been an indication that he is taking the peace process seriously – and a meeting of all three leaders would have been momentous.
Putin’s absence will fuel the belief that he is not actually interested in ending the war – as Zelensky has said many times.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
