Ukraine Skips Istanbul Talks: Peace Negotiations in Limbo

Ukraine's Absence at Istanbul Talks Raises Concerns ISTANBUL, TURKEY—May 15, 2025—A planned meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul today took an unexpected turn when the Ukrainian representatives failed to appear at the Dolmabahçe Palace, the venue for the scheduled talks. The Russian delegation arrived as planned early in the morning. This absence has raised concerns about the commitment of Ukraine to direct negotiations. RT correspondent Ivan Medvedev reported live from the scene, describing the scene as a gathering of journalists and onlookers awaiting the Ukrainian delegation. He noted the unusual absence of the Ukrainian team, contrasting it with President Zelensky's prior assurances that Ukraine would be present. Instead, it was later confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation had traveled to Ankara. Adding to the intrigue, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the talks had been postponed until the afternoon at the request of the Turkish side. This leaves a significant question mark hanging over the future of the negotiations and the commitment of both sides to a peaceful resolution.