Both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are absent from negotiations in Turkey aimed at resolving the Ukraine war, leaving chairs empty and highlighting ongoing diplomatic deadlock. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting Turkish President Erdogan but insists he will only negotiate directly with Putin, who has sent a junior delegation, interpreted as a dismissive gesture. Concerns are rising that without both leaders present, peace talks may fail again, as Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine’s willingness to pursue a ceasefire amidst Russia’s reluctance to engage seriously in negotiations.
