Russian President Vladimir Putin’s snub of Thursday’s peace talks in Turkey shows how “unserious” the Kremlin is about ending its war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters in Ankara. 

Instead of turning up himself, Putin sent his aide Vladimir Medinsky — his former culture minister who previously tried to negotiate Kyiv’s surrender in the early days of the war.

“After we understood the level of the Russian delegation, we saw that they unfortunately are very unserious about real negotiations,” Zelensky said, pointing out that it was Putin who first called for the talks on Saturday.

Though Zelensky was ready to meet with Putin for direct talks, he was forced to send Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to represent Kyiv in the talks with Medinsky after the snub.

“Russia once again demonstrated that it does not intend to end the war, having sent a delegation of rather low-level representatives,” Zelensky also posted on X. 

“Moreover, such a Russian approach is a sign of disrespect — toward the world and all partners,” he continued.

“We expect a clear and strong response from partners.”

Still, if delegations from Ukraine and Russia still meet Thursday, it would mark the first time the warring nations have engaged in discussions since 2022.

The talk may continue on Friday, as well, according to the Ukrainian president.

Ukraine wants to discuss implementing the US-proposed 30-day cease-fire during the talks, and Zelensky called on the US, Europe and the global south to further sanction Russia if they fail to agree to the long sought-after pause in the conflict.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday was pessimistic about what could come from the talks — which were Putin’s idea.

“Problems are bound to happen, as it was three years ago in Istanbul,” he said, referring to Medinsky’s failed attempt in 2022 to force Ukraine to capitulate to Moscow’s maximalist demands. 

Zelensky also expressed doubt that the discussions would result in a cease-fire agreement, in large part due to Putin’s decision to defy President Trump’s request that the Russian and Ukrainian presidents meet for the discussions themselves.

“I remain convinced that Russia is not serious about these meetings and does not genuinely want to end the war,” he said. “But we’ll see if they are willing to show at least something during the discussions.”

Upon arriving in Istanbul Thursday, Medinsky in a post to Telegram said the Russian delegation is “representing” Putin.

“We are committed to carrying out serious and professional work,” he said.

However, it remains unclear what authorities Putin granted his representatives in Turkey — and whether Medinsky has any power to enter any agreements with Ukraine during the talks.

“So far, we do not see any real decision-makers among those who arrived,” Zelensky said on X. “Let me remind everyone: it was Russia that proposed holding direct negotiations. President Trump also supported the idea that leaders should meet.”

Zelensky doubted that the presidential aide could actually bring about a cease-fire, adding that the Russian delegation’s arrival without Putin “appears theatrical.”