Putin skips Istanbul’s peace talks, Trump says it’s not a big deal

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he was not surprised by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence from the anticipated peace talks in Turkiye between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump, en route from Qatar to Abu Dhabi, remarked that without a direct meeting between himself and Putin, no significant progress would occur in the negotiations.

He emphasized that he would only participate in the talks if necessary and downplayed the importance of Putin’s absence, suggesting it was inconsequential.

Trump also indicated that additional sanctions on Russia were “likely” if Putin continued to avoid engaging in peace talks .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin’s decision to delegate the talks to aide Vladimir Medinsky, viewing it as a sign of Russia’s lack of seriousness about ending the war.

Zelensky also refused to attend the summit, labeling it a “farce” and reiterating his stance that meaningful negotiations require direct engagement with Putin .

The absence of both Putin and Zelensky from the Istanbul talks casts doubt on the prospects for a breakthrough.

While Trump remains optimistic about the potential for peace, the current diplomatic deadlock suggests that substantial progress may remain elusive.

The planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marked a significant diplomatic development.

It was however overshadowed by notable absences and skepticism about their potential for success.

The Talks

Hosted at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, the negotiations were the first direct talks between the two nations since March 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to attend, sending a lower-level team led by Vladimir Medinsky.

Zelenskyy criticized the Russian delegation as “decorative,” lacking the authority to make meaningful decisions.

He emphasized Ukraine’s goal for a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia pushed for broader, long-term negotiations that include Kyiv conceding territories and dropping NATO ambitions, demands Ukraine firmly rejects.

International Reactions

United States: President Donald Trump suggested that peace is unlikely without direct talks between himself and Putin.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff attended, though their roles remained unclear.

Trump indicated any breakthrough hinges on his meeting with Putin.

European Union & NATO: Leaders are calling for sanctions on Russia amid continued hostilities, urging a firm stance against Moscow’s actions.

Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s readiness to host future peace talks, emphasizing the country’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.

Outlook

The absence of both Putin and Zelenskyy from the Istanbul talks casts doubt on the prospects for a breakthrough.

While Turkey remains committed to facilitating dialogue, the current diplomatic deadlock suggests that substantial progress may remain elusive.

The differing priorities and demands from both sides highlight the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The absence of both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky from the Istanbul peace talks on May 15, 2025, has several important implications for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape:

1. Lack of Political Will for Immediate Resolution

The absence of heads of state signals limited commitment to achieving a substantive agreement at this stage.

Without top-level decision-makers, delegates lack the authority to negotiate major compromises, making the talks largely symbolic.

2. Erosion of Credibility and Seriousness

Zelensky called Russia’s delegation “decorative,” suggesting it was not empowered to negotiate peace seriously.

The optics of both leaders skipping the summit raise doubts among international observers about whether either side is truly ready to pursue peace in good faith.

3. Stalled Momentum for Ceasefire or Peace Framework

Ukraine sought a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia appeared more interested in long-term concessions.

The absence of direct leadership involvement makes it unlikely that either party will budge from entrenched positions, stalling any diplomatic momentum.

4. Undermines the Role of Mediators Like Turkey

Turkey’s President Erdoğan positioned his country as a neutral ground for negotiations.

The absence of key leaders diminishes the diplomatic clout of Turkey and may discourage future mediation efforts unless more serious commitments are made.

5. Increased Pressure on U.S. and Allies

President Donald Trump hinted that peace would require his own direct talks with Putin, placing pressure on Washington to take a more central role.

European and NATO leaders may now push for additional sanctions or military support for Ukraine, as diplomacy appears stalled.

6. Signal to Domestic and International Audiences

For Putin, skipping the talks projects defiance and strategic patience, potentially bolstering his domestic image.

For Zelensky, the absence is a way to avoid legitimizing a process he views as a farce unless Putin is directly involved.

7. Risk of Prolonged Conflict

Without high-level engagement, the conflict risks becoming further entrenched.

Diplomatic deadlock could lead to escalation on the battlefield as each side aims to gain leverage for future negotiations.

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