Trump considers attending crucial peace talks in Turkey
- Direct peace talks are set to begin between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey, the first since the escalation of conflict in 2022.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Donald Trump may attend, suggesting his presence could influence progress.
- Trump indicated his willingness to join the talks if appropriate, highlighting the necessity of Putin's involvement for meaningful negotiations.
In Turkey, direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin, marking the first official negotiations since the onset of full hostilities in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Trump's potential participation via social media, suggesting that his presence might secure favorable progress in the discussions. Trump, currently on a Middle East trip, conveyed to reporters in Qatar that he would consider joining the Istanbul talks if deemed appropriate. He also noted the importance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's attendance for the negotiations to have real significance. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has indicated that a ceasefire remains a precondition for meaningful dialogue, contrasting with Ukraine's initial insistence on an unconditional ceasefire. As discussions are slated for Thursday, expectations for substantial breakthroughs are tempered, especially given Marco Rubio's comments regarding the importance of Trump and Putin meeting directly to facilitate resolution. The landscape remains complex, with ongoing military operations and continued territorial control by Russia in the region. The upcoming talks in Istanbul are seen as a critical moment for any potential advancement towards peace.