Ukraine and Russia, two nations in conflict, are preparing for their first direct talks in over three years. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin in Istanbul, but the Russian delegation will consist of lower-level officials. Putin's absence is expected to lessen the significance of these initial negotiations, which follow a failed attempt shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Thabiso Kotane speaks to international relations expert Dr. Oscar Van Heerden for more insights.