The Russian president will not be personally attending the peace talks that is going to come up between the Ukrainian and Russian governments in Istanbul.   In the list of attendees released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the name of the Russian president was conspicuously absent.

This gesture is seen as the probability of Putin's presence in Istanbul is unlikely. Trump is, however, seen as being averse to a military solution to the war and is ready to accommodate any condition for a peace talk, though presently on a tour of the Middle East and is unlikely to make it to Istanbul.

At the meeting of NATO foreign ministers also on going in Turkeye, the French foreign minister said NATO has readied  more sanctions for Russia should in case Putin wants to prove difficult.

Russian officials have however arrived in Istanbul though NATO envoys are not impressed at the number of Russian delegates which they see as no indication Putin is serious about the talks.

Zelenskyy has however arrived Turkeye and will hold talks first with Erdogan, the Turkish president before deciding on the next line of action.

NATO Chief Mark Ruffe said the hope of a ceasefire is high. Since Ukraine is very committed to the peace talks.