Zelenskyy Left in the Dust as Putin, Trump Skip Out on Peace Talks in Turkey
In a marked disappointment for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a crucial meeting in Ankara aimed at peace negotiations with Russia fell short as both President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump were notably absent. The meeting, intended to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, witnessed delegations from both countries travel to Istanbul, only to find Zelenskyy on his own regarding a direct dialogue with Putin.
Upon arrival, Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, where the atmosphere was laden with expectation for a breakthrough. However, the absence of Putin—a pivotal figure in the discussions—cast doubt on the prospects of meaningful engagement. Frustrated, Zelenskyy decided to send all but two members of his delegation to the Istanbul meeting, reinforcing the notion that Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations was tepid at best. In a candid remark that highlighted the futility of the situation, he noted, “We cannot run around the entire world looking for a man,” referring to Putin’s unwillingness to participate.
Adding to the frustration, Trump’s anticipated attendance also failed to materialize. The former U.S. president indicated in remarks to reporters that any progress would hinge on a direct meeting between himself and Putin, saying, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.” This disappointing turn of events left Zelenskyy and his diplomatic team grappling with a significant setback in their efforts to end the protracted conflict.
As the war continues to impact countless lives, Zelenskyy’s efforts to foster dialogue and peace seem increasingly complicated by the absence of key leaders. With both Putin and Trump opting out, the road to resolution appears fraught with challenges, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as it seeks to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.
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Video “Zelenskyy left in the dust as Putin, Trump skip out on peace talks in Turkey” was uploaded on 05/15/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News