Zelensky and Putin’s Historic Face-to-Face Meeting Falls Apart

In a world of conflicts and crisis, where diplomacy often feels like a distant dream, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin were expected to meet face-to-face in Turkey on May 15. But as the dust settles, one thing is clear—this historic meeting did not go as planned.  

The Stakes Were High—But Putin Didn’t Show  
This wasn’t just another political handshake for the cameras. This was supposed to be war, peace, and history in the making. The last time Russia and Ukraine held direct negotiations was in March 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Since then, the battlefield has spoken louder than diplomacy, with Ukraine fighting tooth and nail to reclaim its territory while Russia tightens its grip on occupied regions.  

Now, Western European leaders have demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire—a demand Putin has flat-out rejected. Instead, the Kremlin insisted that any negotiations acknowledge both the abandoned 2022 draft peace deal and Russia’s current territorial control. Ukraine, on the other hand, wanted a ceasefire before talks even began.  

Putin’s No-Show and the Prisoner Exchange  
Despite mounting international pressure, Putin declined to attend the meeting in Turkey, instead sending a delegation led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky. Zelensky, who had traveled to Ankara, expressed frustration, calling Putin’s absence a sign that he was not serious about ending the war.  

However, one key breakthrough did emerge from the meeting—Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each after their first direct talks in three years. The date for the exchange has been set but remains undisclosed for security reasons. While this agreement is a step forward, broader peace negotiations remain uncertain.  

Enter the Wild Card: Donald Trump  
As if this diplomatic drama wasn’t unpredictable enough, U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in, stating that no real progress can be made without a direct meeting between himself and Putin. His administration has made resolving the Ukraine conflict a top foreign policy goal, but whether his involvement will push negotiations forward remains uncertain.  

Erdoğan’s Role as Mediator and European Involvement  
Hosting this high-stakes showdown was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a leader known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical waters. Turkey has long positioned itself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, and Erdoğan met with Zelensky in Ankara to discuss next steps.  

Additionally, both leaders are set to attend the European Political Community summit in Albania on May 16, where more than 40 European leaders will be present. This summit could provide another platform for diplomatic discussions regarding the war. Meanwhile, the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya also took place, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizing that there is a new window of opportunity for peace between Ukraine and Russia.  

What Happens Next?  
With Putin absent, the meeting did not produce the breakthrough many had hoped for. Ukraine insists that any negotiations must lead to a concrete political victory—whether a ceasefire or a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Russia continues to push for talks that acknowledge its territorial control.  

Will Putin eventually agree to direct negotiations? Will Trump’s involvement change the course of diplomacy? Can Erdoğan bridge the gap?  

One thing is certain: the world is watching, and the future of Ukraine, Russia, and global stability remains uncertain.