Russia Sends Low-Level Delegation to Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey, Estonia Calls Move 'Slap in Face'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to send a low-level delegation led by his aide Vladimir Medinsky to peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul has been widely criticized as a "slap in the face" by Ukraine's allies, including Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Putin declined to attend the talks personally, prompting skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace and raising doubts about the delegation's authority to negotiate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul with a high-level delegation and expressed willingness to engage in talks but questioned the mandate and decision-making power of the Russian representatives. NATO ministers and other officials see Russia's move as an insult and a sign that Moscow may not be serious about ending the conflict. Meanwhile, Turkey offered to mediate, and the U.S., including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, showed interest in supporting the negotiations. Despite the tensions, Ukraine appears ready to pursue dialogue, while Russia's absence of senior officials and rejection of a ceasefire continue to hamper progress.