Ukraine-Russia Talks Stall as Russia Sends Low-Level Delegation to Istanbul

Ukrainian and Russian delegations arrived in Turkey for talks in Istanbul, but significant doubts remain about the potential for progress due to the low-level nature of the Russian delegation and the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the Russian delegation's authority and intentions, indicating he would decide on next steps after discussions with Turkish President Erdogan. The Russian side claims readiness for serious negotiations, referencing the 2022 Istanbul Protocols, but Ukrainian officials and analysts remain wary, noting past failed talks with similar delegations. The presence of US and European diplomats in nearby Antalya underscores the international community’s interest, although coordination and direct engagement between the parties appear uncertain. The overall outlook is pessimistic, with analysts interpreting Russia's delegation choice as a sign of prioritizing continued conflict over de-escalation. Meanwhile, speculation about potential meetings involving Putin or even former President Trump has diminished as Putin confirmed he would not attend, further dampening hopes for a breakthrough.