Uncertainty Over Putin’s Attendance at Landmark Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul

Kremlin hasn’t confirmed if President Putin will attend peace talks with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy in Istanbul on May 15, 2025. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia’s delegation will attend, but there’s no confirmation on Putin. These talks would be the first direct negotiations since 2022. Zelenskyy has urged Putin to join, while U.S. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may also attend. Brazil’s President Lula plans to encourage Putin during a Moscow visit.