Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend proposed peace talks in Istanbul with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. This practically puts a stop to the chance of the two leaders meeting in person for the first time since the conflict began.

Instead, Russia will be represented by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's personal advisor who previously conducted negotiations with Ukraine in 2022, Firstpost reported.

Zelensky had earlier expressed willingness to travel to Istanbul if Putin agreed to join. “If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is final proof that he does not want to end the war,” he said on Tuesday.

There had been speculation that US President Donald Trump, currently visiting the Middle East, might also participate in the talks, according to the Firstpost.