Over three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the countries are finally meeting for direct peace talks in Istanbul. Vladimir Putin will be not be attending.Ironically, given his no-show, it was Putin who suggested the peace talks instead of immediately agreeing to a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

Vladimir Putin did not intend to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, despite the Ukrainian leader's proposal. The media are analyzing his actions. What you need to know Putin did not plan a meeting with Zelensky in Istanbul,