Istanbul Peace Talks: Will Zelensky Attend? Putin's Absence Casts Shadow

Istanbul Talks: Uncertainty Clouds Ukraine-Russia Negotiations Amidst high anticipation, the Ukraine-Russia peace talks scheduled for Thursday, May 15th in Istanbul, are shrouded in uncertainty. Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence has been confirmed, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's participation remains contingent on his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This was confirmed by a source familiar with the matter. CNN's Clare Sebastian, reporting live from Istanbul, described the atmosphere as "a really confusing morning." She noted a large press presence, but the only notable arrival was a cat. Adding to the confusion, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the Russian delegation is "in Istanbul and ready for serious work." However, no official information has been released about the Ukrainian delegation's arrival or participation. The situation underscores the complex and delicate nature of these negotiations, representing the first direct talks between the two countries in three years. The outcome will significantly impact the ongoing conflict. The uncertainty surrounding the talks highlights the high stakes involved and the potential for unexpected developments.