Kremlin: Putin won't attend peace talks in Istanbul

**Russia Refuses to Attend Peace Talks, Escalating Ukraine Conflict**

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he will not attend peace talks in Turkiye with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This comes despite Zelenskyy’s public call for direct negotiations and the Kremlin’s own proposal of new round of talks.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin will not meet with Zelenskyy in Istanbul on May 15th, as previously agreed upon. The reason behind this refusal is still unclear, but it has led to speculation that Russia may be unwilling to make any concessions to Ukraine.

The situation took a turn for the worse when the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that their delegation had arrived in Istanbul, only to claim that the talks between the two delegations have been postponed until later in the day. This comes across as an attempt to drag out the negotiations and avoid making any meaningful progress towards peace.

**Putin’s Refusal: A Signal of Russia’s Intentions?**

Zelenskyy has made it clear that Putin’s refusal to participate in the talks will be seen as a signal that Russia does not want to end the war. This statement highlights the deep-seated distrust between the two nations and raises serious concerns about the prospects for peace.

The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the future of Ukraine? Will Putin’s refusal mark a turning point in the conflict, or will it simply lead to further stalling and delay?

**A Ceasefire Initiative Falls Through**

The latest development comes after Russia dismissed a US-EU-backed 30-day ceasefire initiative. This move has been seen as an attempt by Russia to dictate the terms of the negotiations and avoid any real concessions.

In response, Ukraine has accepted the talks in Istanbul but emphasized that Putin’s participation is crucial for making any progress towards peace. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether the parties involved will take a step back from the brink or continue down the path of conflict.