preCharge News POLITICS — As tensions in Eastern Europe simmer, hopes for direct peace talks in Turkey crumbled this week when Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump both declined to attend, leaving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a difficult position.

Leaders Shun Turkey Summit, Casting Doubt on Peace Efforts

Zelenskyy Left Waiting as Putin and Trump Opt Out

Hopes for a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict took a hit as both Putin and Trump skipped a critical peace summit in Istanbul this week. While Zelenskyy had signaled a willingness to engage in talks if Putin attended, his Russian counterpart’s absence has left the Ukrainian leader questioning Moscow’s commitment to peace.

Kremlin Signals Mixed Messages on Peace Talks

Conflicting Signals from Moscow

The Kremlin sent mixed messages ahead of the summit. Just days before, Putin hinted at his readiness for “direct negotiations” with Zelenskyy but stopped short of confirming his participation. When asked directly if Putin would travel to Turkey, his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov gave a firm “no” on Thursday, citing unspecified “work meetings” instead.

The Russian delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and senior military official Igor Kostyukov. However, without Putin present, many question whether this delegation has the authority to make meaningful decisions.

Trump Stays Home, Sends Envoys Instead

White House Signals Caution on Peace Talks

The White House also opted for a lower-profile approach. While Trump declined to travel to Turkey, senior U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff, Keith Kellogg, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent American interests. A senior White House official confirmed the move, saying the delegation would “support efforts toward peace” but noted that Trump had concerns about the “readiness of both sides” for serious talks.

Zelenskyy Doubts Moscow’s Intentions

Ukraine’s President Takes a Wait-and-See Approach

Arriving in Ankara to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over the talks, noting the “low level” of the Russian delegation.

“We must understand the level of the Russian delegation and what mandate they have – whether they are even capable of making any decisions on their own, because we all know who actually makes decisions in Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy’s delegation includes his foreign minister, military intelligence officials, and senior presidential advisors, signaling that Kyiv is prepared for substantive discussions — if Moscow shows a similar commitment.

Trump’s Pressure on Kyiv Adds to Diplomatic Strain

Trump Urges Immediate Talks as Doubts Grow

Trump has publicly pressured Zelenskyy to engage, recently posting on his Truth Social platform:

“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible.”

In a sharp tone, Trump added, “I am starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”

What’s Next for the Stalled Peace Process?

Uncertain Path Forward as Diplomacy Stalls

As the summit in Istanbul proceeds without its most powerful players, the path to peace remains uncertain. For Zelenskyy, the absence of Putin raises questions about the seriousness of Moscow’s intentions, while Trump’s absence underscores the unpredictable nature of U.S. support.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.