The absence of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump from the talks has dampened hopes of a significant breakthrough in resolving the conflict.

Vladimir Putin has greatly reduced his public appearances and has not been seen since the end of March, with the Russian despot now unlikely to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey this week

Russia has not yet said who it will send to Istanbul on Thursday and has refused to respond to ultimatums.

Vladimir Putin is afraid over being assassinated if he meets with Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey on Thursday.The 72-year-old tyrant has escalated security measures and remains ensconced within his Kremlin stronghold,

The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will not participate in the Ukraine peace talks scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s urging for his attendance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is prepared to meet Vladimir Putin this week, shortly after US President Donald Trump urged him to “immediately” accept the Russian leader’s offer to hold peace talks in Turkey.

President Donald Trump reacted to comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin that they were willing to meet in person in Turkey on Thursday by issuing a rare rebuke to the Russian leader but still urging Ukraine to agree to the meeting.