The Kremlin announced late Wednesday the official list of delegates who will represent Russia in Thursday’s peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, notably omitting President Vladimir Putin from the roster—despite a personal invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the Kremlin’s official statement, the Russian delegation will be led by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky and will include Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

President Zelensky had earlier renewed his call for a direct meeting with Putin, following the Russian leader’s previous expression of readiness for one-on-one negotiations to help end the war, now in its fourth year.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian official told Reuters that Zelensky has already departed for the Turkish capital, Ankara, in preparation for his participation in Thursday’s anticipated summit.