Irish Examiner view: Putin's absence puts a question mark over Ukraine peace talks

Volodymyr Zelenskyy articulated the credibility problem, comparing the Russian delegation in Turkey to 'a theatre prop'

Firefighters tackle one of the blazes in the village of Bilopillya, Sumy, following a Russian air raid on Wednesday. Picture: Ukrainian Emergency Services/AP

It is now over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and yet another false dawn appears to be breaking in Turkey when it comes to peace talks aimed at resolving this conflict.

Last weekend, Russian president Vladimir Putin was the one who suggested direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul — raising hopes of meaningful discussions which might bring an end to a war that has claimed thousands of lives.