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

Zelensky accused the Russian side of not taking the talks seriously, and that he did not see decision-makers among their delegation, despite direct negotiations taking place at the urging of Moscow. He had earlier described the Russian delegation as "theatrical."