In the bustling city of Ankara, Turkey, an important meeting is underway. This gathering might have the potential to pave the way for peace between Russia and Ukraine, a situation that has been tense and complex for far too long. However, there’s a big elephant in the room that people can’t ignore: Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to skip the event entirely. So, one has to wonder—how exactly does one negotiate peace if the main player doesn’t even show up?

While the absence of Putin raises eyebrows, it doesn’t stop the wheels of diplomacy from turning. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is determined to take part in these discussions, even if it feels a bit like playing chess without a king on one side. He’s assembled a strong team consisting of his foreign minister and military intelligence heads. Apparently, they’re ready to discuss matters head-on, deeming the Russian delegation as merely “decorative.” This colorful choice of words from Zelenskyy emphasizes the frustrations of negotiating with a party that may not be fully engaged.

Meanwhile, news from Istanbul suggests that Putin may only be interested in speaking to a familiar face—none other than former President Donald Trump. While Trump is taking care of business in the Middle East, hinting he might join the talks if “appropriate,” it adds another layer of interest to the situation. The Kremlin has stated through press secretary Dmitry Peskov that the Russian delegation, led by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky, will be waiting for Zelenskyy’s arrival. But with no direct communication from Putin himself, the situation remains murky.

As these discussions unfold, diplomatic tensions ripple through Turkey. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also in the area, meeting with NATO foreign ministers. With everyone trying to find a solution to this ongoing war, the world watches closely, wondering how these talks will develop. Will the absence of a powerful leader cripple negotiations, or will representatives step up to the plate?

While the air in Ankara hangs heavy with anticipation, it’s clear that a lot remains unresolved. The international community is eager to see if this will lead to a breakthrough or just another round of political theater. Whatever happens next, one thing is for certain: peace is the ultimate goal, and the hope is that soon, all parties can come together to achieve it—whether that means negotiating face-to-face or finding a different path forward entirely. In true diplomatic style, we’ll just have to wait and see how this plays out!