Zelensky Accuses Putin of Refusing Genuine Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of not taking peace negotiations seriously, following Putin's failure to attend direct talks in Istanbul. Zelenskyy criticized Russia's low-level delegation and emphasized that Moscow lacks the political will to end the war, calling for increased international pressure and stronger sanctions to push Russia toward peace. Despite Putin's public claims of readiness for dialogue, Zelenskyy described these as 'idle talk' and insisted that genuine negotiations require an unconditional ceasefire as a first step. Zelenskyy further clarified that he did not propose the meeting but responded to Putin's suggestion, interpreting it as an attempt to avoid a ceasefire. Russia's delegation, led by hawkish negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, has been met with skepticism and personal insults from both sides. Nevertheless, Ukraine has sent a reduced delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul to pursue a ceasefire and potential compromises, though expectations remain low for a breakthrough.