Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Jeopardy as Key Leaders Skip Summit

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Falter as Trump and Putin Skip Summit Hopes for a breakthrough in the Ukraine-Russia conflict were significantly diminished on Thursday as high-level peace talks in Turkey took an unexpected turn. Both President Trump and Vladimir Putin's absence from the summit cast a shadow over the proceedings, raising questions about the commitment of both sides to a peaceful resolution. The scaled-down negotiations proceeded with a smaller Russian delegation, leading Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to label them as mere "stand-in props." This assessment highlights the skepticism surrounding the seriousness of Russia's intentions. NBC’s Keir Simmons, reporting from Istanbul, offered firsthand insights into the atmosphere of the talks. His report underscored the disappointment and uncertainty surrounding the future of the negotiations. The reduced scale of the talks, coupled with the absence of key figures, suggests a significant setback in efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are awaited with bated breath.