Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he will attend high-stakes peace talks in Ankara, Turkey, aimed at bringing an end to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Scheduled for Thursday, the summit could mark a critical turning point in the war—if, and only if, Russian President Vladimir Putin joins. However, the Kremlin has remained vague, sparking uncertainty over who will represent Russia at the negotiating table.
The geopolitical suspense deepened as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently touring the Middle East, said he is “thinking about flying over” to Turkey, injecting fresh intrigue into an already volatile international event.
Zelenskyy Presses for Putin to Join Talks
Speaking from Kyiv, Zelenskyy reiterated his belief that any viable peace deal must come directly from Putin himself.
“Only one man can stop the bombs and order the withdrawal of Russian troops—and that man is Vladimir Putin,” Zelenskyy stated. “If he refuses to attend, we must not waste time and must escalate international pressure.”
The Ukrainian president’s determination reflects both urgency and frustration. With war still raging across eastern and southern Ukraine, Zelenskyy hopes the Ankara talks can serve as a springboard for a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian corridors. But his message was clear: diplomacy requires direct leadership.
Kremlin Confirms Delegation—But Will Putin Be There?
The Kremlin responded by confirming that a Russian delegation will attend the Ankara summit. However, spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to clarify whether President Putin himself would be part of the team.
“Preparations for the talks are underway,” Peskov said, “but we will not disclose the final composition of our delegation until tomorrow.”
This ambiguity has fueled speculation, with analysts divided on whether Putin will engage directly or continue delegating peace efforts to lower-level officials, as he has done in past failed talks.
Trump Hints at Attendance, Sends Marco Rubio Instead
Adding an unexpected twist, former President Donald Trump, currently on a high-profile tour through the Middle East, revealed he is “thinking about flying over” to Turkey to attend the peace summit. Though he ultimately decided against the trip, he appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent the United States at the talks.
“It’s a very important moment for the world,” Trump told reporters. “If I can help bring peace, I’ll be there in a heartbeat. But for now, Marco is my man on the ground.”
Rubio’s presence signals that the U.S. under Trump’s leadership remains highly invested in Ukraine’s defense and regional stability. His assignment also reflects Trump’s strategic decision to maintain flexibility while keeping the spotlight.
Global Stakes: Can Ankara Deliver a Breakthrough?
International observers remain cautiously hopeful about the Ankara summit. If Putin does show up, it could signal a willingness to engage in substantive talks. If he skips the event or sends only junior envoys, many fear the session could devolve into another diplomatic stalemate.
Key expectations for the summit include:
- Agreement on an immediate ceasefire.
- Safe corridors for civilians and aid workers.
- Exchange of prisoners of war and detainees.
- Framework for future negotiations on border security and reconstruction.
However, continued airstrikes and ground assaults across Ukraine threaten to undermine the talks even before they begin. NATO officials, including Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, have called for restraint on all sides during the peace discussions.
Public Reaction and Military Outlook
Ukrainians remain skeptical but hopeful. After months of bloodshed, many see any opportunity for peace as worth pursuing—even if expectations are low.
Meanwhile, military experts warn that without firm agreements and verifiable commitments, any peace deal could be short-lived. Russian forces continue to press offensives in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, and Ukrainian defense officials say they are preparing for further escalation if talks collapse.
Conclusion
As Zelenskyy lands in Ankara ready to negotiate and the world waits to see if Putin will join, the future of Ukraine—and perhaps the stability of Eastern Europe—hangs in the balance. The addition of Trump’s interest and Marco Rubio’s participation adds another layer to an already complex diplomatic moment.
The next 48 hours could be pivotal. Either the Ankara summit marks the start of de-escalation, or it becomes another chapter in the war’s long and painful history.
FAQs
Q1: Will Vladimir Putin attend the peace talks in Turkey?
A1: The Kremlin has confirmed a Russian delegation will attend, but has not confirmed whether Putin will be present.
Q2: What are Ukraine’s goals for the Ankara summit?
A2: Ukraine is seeking an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, prisoner exchanges, and a framework for future negotiations.
Q3: Is Donald Trump attending the summit?
A3: Trump considered flying to Turkey but ultimately decided against it. He has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent the U.S.
Q4: What happens if Putin skips the summit?
A4: Zelenskyy has called for harsher sanctions and increased international pressure if Putin fails to attend the talks personally.
Q5: What is the global community’s stance?
A5: The international community is cautiously optimistic but realistic about the challenges of achieving a lasting peace deal at this stage.
