Putin to skip Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey
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Russia's delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, one of Putin’s aides, the Kremlin said. Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin will also attend the peace talks, along with other senior military officials.
The promise of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul has derailed European efforts to get the United States on board with imposing new sanctions on Russia if there is not an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
The US President was asked about the possibility of the Russian leader attending, as Vladimir Putin's spokesperson offered an ambigious answer to the question.