Context:

The Kremlin has released a list of officials attending peace talks in Turkey with Ukraine, notably excluding President Vladimir Putin, suggesting he will not meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Trump, who previously considered attending, will not be present either, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the U.S. The Russian delegation will be led by hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky, with Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and other senior officials. The talks come amid a prolonged conflict where both Russia and Ukraine have suffered significant military losses. Ukraine demands security guarantees from the U.S., which has yet to be explicitly included in any deals, as pressure mounts for a ceasefire and resolution to the ongoing war.

Dive Deeper:

• Vladimir Putin's absence from the list of Russian officials traveling to Turkey for peace talks indicates he will not meet Volodymyr Zelensky, who has vocally criticized him. The Kremlin confirmed Putin approved the delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky.

• President Trump, initially considering attending the peace talks, will instead continue his Middle East tour, sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other envoys to Turkey. Trump's absence raises questions about Putin's attendance, as Trump suggested Putin might not attend if he did not.

• Ukraine's President Zelensky is awaiting confirmation of Russian attendees before deciding on Ukraine's approach to the talks, stressing the need for strong Western sanctions if Putin refuses to engage. Zelensky remains open to negotiations while urging international pressure on Russia.

• The conflict, one of Europe's largest since World War II, has seen heavy casualties on both sides. Russia has reportedly suffered significant troop losses, while Ukraine has also retreated from certain regions after initial advances.

• Despite a recent deal involving rare earth minerals, Ukraine still lacks guaranteed U.S. security assistance. Previous attempts at truce, including a 30-day ceasefire proposal and an Easter truce by Putin, failed due to alleged violations by Russia.

• The upcoming talks in Istanbul, starting with a closed-door session at Dolmabahce Palace, aim to address ongoing hostilities, with little disclosed about the agenda. Both parties face increasing international pressure to reach a resolution.

• A coalition of European allies has threatened new sanctions if Russia does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire, as Ukraine continues to seek global support to halt Russian aggression and end the conflict.