President Trump previously stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. emissaries Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg would be traveling to Turkey as part of the U.S. support group to assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.  However, the Kremlin has announced the delegation that will represent Russia’s interests and President Vladimir Putin is not attending.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said he would be attending the negotiations, yet doubted Russian President Putin would be present. It appears that prediction by Zelenskyy is accurate.  The Kremlin announcement IS HERE.

Russia is sending: Vladimir Medinsky, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation (Head of the delegation), Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; (member of the delegation), Igor Kostyukov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff; of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (member of the delegation), Alexander Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation (Member of the delegation). {link}

WASHINGTON DC – Russian President Vladimir Putin will not travel to Turkey to attend peace talks with Ukraine that he himself suggested, the Kremlin announced Wednesday evening.

The news is of little surprise, as Putin had never confirmed he would attend in person. Many observers, including EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, predicted he wouldn’t elect to meet directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Putin offered the talks to Ukraine on May 11. Zelenskyy responded positively but cautiously, demanding a 30-day ceasefire as a starting point for negotiations. (read more)