With less than 48 hours until the proposed peace talks in Istanbul, anticipation is running high—and doubts are mounting over whether Thursday’s meeting will actually occur. President Vladimir Putin’s surprise suggestion last Sunday set the stage for a diplomatic sprint, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacting positively and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offering to host.
Even former U.S. President Donald Trump threw his hat in the ring, offering to attend. Yet with the clock ticking down, key details remain unsettled.
Russia’s stance: On Tuesday, the Kremlin said it would name its delegation “when the president sees fit,” without confirming whether Putin himself will fly to Istanbul. “The Russian side continues to prepare for the negotiations,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov, leaving many questions unanswered.
Ukraine’s response: Zelenskyy insists he will meet only with Putin, not other delegates. In his nightly video address, he noted, “Russian shelling and assaults continue,” and criticized Moscow’s silence on the request for a direct meeting. He also hailed Erdogan’s role, writing on Telegram, “We discussed key points of the meeting in Türkiye which may help end the war.”
Türkiye as host: Erdogan’s readiness at the highest level adds momentum—and complexity—to logistics and security planning. Hosting rival leaders under one roof requires delicate diplomacy and careful coordination.
What’s next? As Thursday approaches, observers are watching for final confirmations from Moscow and Kyiv. Will both sides clear for takeoff? If the meeting goes ahead, it could mark a historic step toward de-escalation. If not, the silence around Istanbul may speak volumes.
For a global audience of young citizens, business innovators, and changemakers, the outcome carries real-world impact. Whether you’re tracking market shifts, human rights implications, or the future of European security, the Istanbul meeting is set to be one of the most watched events this week.
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Will Thursday's Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul happen?
cgtn.com
