Ukraine had framed Zelensky's demand for a face-to-face meeting with Putin as a test of Russia's true willingness to negotiate peace. Arriving in Turkey, he slammed the Russian delegation as "theatrical" and contrasted it to Ukraine's high-level group.

Putin's absence punctured hopes of a breakthrough in peace efforts that were given a push in recent months by the Trump administration and Western European leaders.

Zelensky sends defence minister to Istanbul talks but says Putin 'not serious' about peace in Ukraine - Russian President accused of ‘lack of respect’ after failing to attend the talks himself and sen