- Ministers from NATO states slammed Putin for sending lower-ranked officials to peace talks in Turkey.
- Estonia and the Netherlands called the Russian president's move a 'slap in the face.'
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's delegation was 'theatrical' and 'decorative.'
Ministers from NATO countries have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to forgo attending peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey and instead send lesser-ranked officials.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called Putin's delegation a "slap in the face for Ukraine and for all of us."
"Putin is not taking this opportunity very seriously and we must continue to support Ukraine," he said.
Tsahkna's comments were echoed by the Netherlands' Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who said that the lower-level officials sent to Istanbul in Putin's place were an insult, Dutch media reported.
Russia and Ukraine have been under pressure from the Trump administration to engage in talks over a potential cease-fire, and Putin initially suggested meeting in Istanbul.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the war dragging on for three years.
Putin said on Sunday that he was open to holding "direct negotiations" with Ukraine, "without any preconditions."
However, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to be in attendance, the Russian delegation is being led by Putin's former culture minister, Vladimir Medinsky.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy called the Russian delegation "theatrical" and "decorative," and when asked by reporters whether he had a message for Putin, replied: "I'm here. I think this is a very clear message."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that there were "no plans for Putin to travel to Turkey or meet Trump over the next few days."
In February, an Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy blew up in spectacular fashion.
Afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social that Zelenskyy "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office," and that "he can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Since then, Ukraine has tried to show its willingness to engage in talks.
Meanwhile, Trump downplayed Putin's absence in comments on Thurday, saying he "didn't think it was possible for Putin to go if I'm not there."
Talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that "nothing's going to happen until Putin and I get together."
