Peace Talk Dead? Putin’s Absence Signals Russia Not Serious, Says Ukraine
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MAY 14,2025
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine warned on Tuesday that if Vladimir Putin skips the peace talks in Turkey, it would send a clear message: Russia is not serious about ending the war. In response, Kyiv urged the West to increase military support and impose new sanctions on Russia.
The meeting, set for Thursday in Istanbul, would mark the first direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations since early 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Putin to personally attend the talks. These talks were initially proposed by Putin himself.
“If Vladimir Putin refuses to come to Turkey, it will be the final signal that Russia does not want to end this war,” said Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff. “It would show that Russia is unwilling and unready for real peace negotiations.”
Peace Talk-Trump Open to Attending Talks
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he is considering attending the peace talks.
“I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility if I think something can happen,” Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving for the Middle East. READ MORE:US-Saudi AI Investment Boosts Nvidia Stock After Trump-Bin Salman Deal .
Kremlin Refuses to Clarify
The Kremlin, however, gave no details about its delegation. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, refused to confirm who would attend.
“The Russian side continues to prepare for the talks. That is all we can say at this point,” Peskov said.
Asked about the delegation, he added: “No… as soon as the president deems it necessary, we will announce it.”
Ceasefire Counterproposal Ignored?
Putin proposed the Istanbul meeting as a response to Kyiv’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, supported by France, Germany, Poland, and the UK. But Russia has not directly addressed the ceasefire appeal. Instead, the Kremlin criticized it as an “ultimatum.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands have died. Millions have fled their homes. Russian forces now control about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
Peace Talk Ukraine: If Russia Refuses, the West Must Respond
“If Russia refuses to negotiate, there must be a strong response,” Ukraine’s government said.
That response, they added, should include stronger sanctions and increased military aid.
Erdoğan Urges Both Sides to Show Up
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he is ready to host the meeting. He urged both parties to seize the “window of opportunity” for peace.
Putin said talks should focus on the “root causes” of the conflict. He mentioned NATO expansion, protection of Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, and Ukraine’s demilitarization.
Kyiv and its Western allies have rejected these points. They consider them unjustified reasons for a brutal invasion. NOWTREND
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