In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, representatives from both nations are set to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, marking their first direct talks since early 2022. Despite the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who declined an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting, the discussions are anticipated to take place on Thursday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin's non-participation, emphasizing the absence of the Russian leader from the negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, expressed skepticism about the potential success of the Istanbul talks without direct involvement from the Russian leader. Trump suggested that no significant progress would occur until he and Putin engaged in discussions, attributing the lack of Putin's attendance to his own absence from the talks. The choice of Istanbul as the meeting venue carries historical significance, as the city was previously the site of the Istanbul Communiqué in March 2022. This earlier diplomatic effort outlined a potential peace agreement that hinged on Ukraine's acceptance of permanent neutrality, effectively abandoning aspirations for NATO membership, in exchange for security guarantees. However, the intensification of the conflict and emerging allegations of Russian war crimes ultimately derailed these early peace efforts. Istanbul also served as the hub for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a temporary arrangement from 2022 to 2023 that facilitated the safe export of grain and other agricultural goods from Ukrainian and Russian ports amid escalating hostilities in the region. This initiative, supported by Turkey and the United Nations, was a crucial step toward alleviating global food supply concerns during the conflict. Leading the Russian delegation in the upcoming talks will be Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who previously headed negotiations in 2022. He will be joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and Igor Kostyukov, the head of Russia's military intelligence agency. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has affirmed that he will not meet with any Russian representative other than Putin, highlighting the central role of the Russian president in decision-making. Zelenskyy, upon his arrival in Ankara, Turkey, for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed readiness for decisive actions that could lead to a just peace. He acknowledged the importance of understanding the level of authority within the Russian delegation and whether they possess the mandate to make meaningful decisions. In the United States, President Trump has been advocating for a ceasefire and an eventual peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. He hinted at possible progress in the upcoming talks, expressing hope for positive outcomes. Although he suggested the possibility of traveling to Istanbul, Trump did not confirm his attendance, emphasizing the need for both Russian and Ukrainian representatives to reach an agreement. The U.S. delegation to Turkey includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. Rubio, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' gathering in Ankara, stressed the importance of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, asserting that a military solution was not feasible. He highlighted Trump's commitment to fostering economic growth and stability, rather than perpetuating destructive conflicts. The renewed talks come after Putin's proposal for negotiations in response to Ukraine's demand for a full 30-day ceasefire, backed by European leaders. Trump agreed to this plan, resulting in the resumption of discussions that had collapsed in 2022. Despite the significance of these engagements, experts remain cautious about immediate breakthroughs, citing the complexity of the situation. Oleg Ignatov, a senior Russia analyst at the International Crisis Group, expressed low expectations for a swift resolution, noting Russia's continued interest in maintaining military and diplomatic pressure on Ukraine. He emphasized the likelihood of protracted negotiations, urging Ukraine to be prepared for extended discussions. While President Trump is eager to achieve a deal that can be seen as a political victory, both Kyiv and Moscow are maneuvering to avoid blame for any potential failure of the peace talks. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace efforts during a meeting with Rubio in Istanbul, emphasizing the need for Russia to reciprocate Ukraine's constructive steps. Conversely, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated Moscow's readiness for serious negotiations, signaling a potential willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. As the international community closely watches these developments, the outcome of the Istanbul talks could have significant implications for the future of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and regional stability.