Nigeria, May 15 -- Plans for high-level peace negotiations in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine hit a roadblock after both Russian President Vladimir Putin and former United States President Donald Trump confirmed they would not be present.

The absence of these two major figures has cast serious doubt on the potential impact of the planned discussions, leaving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a political limbo.

This week's diplomatic efforts were centered on Turkey, which had been positioned as a potential neutral ground for direct engagement between the warring sides. Hopes had briefly surged after Putin signaled on Sunday his willingness to hold direct talks with Zelenskyy in Istanbul, suggesting a rare opening in the draw...