Trump Plans to Engage Putin in Ukraine Peace Talks Soon
President Trump disclosed on Friday his intention to initiate direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the earliest opportunity, following the commencement of peace negotiations in Turkey.
While concluding a four-day Middle East tour, Trump expressed to the press that it was time to take action and indicated he might soon contact Putin after his return journey to Washington on Air Force One.
"Putin and I will convene, and we might resolve the issue, or perhaps not," Trump remarked. "Regardless of the outcome, we'll gain clarity. If resolution eludes us, it will nonetheless be revealing."
Trump mentioned that he wasn't taken aback by Putin's absence at the meetings occurring in Turkey, suggesting that Putin's decision was influenced by Trump's absence.
The Ukrainian and Russian representatives did gather in Istanbul on Friday; however, expectations for a breakthrough were minimal as Putin sent a subordinate delegation, prompting criticism from Ukraine and its European allies that Russia is not focused on reaching a negotiated settlement.
Trump stated a meeting with Putin would occur "as soon as arrangements allow."
He mentioned his willingness to leave immediately, despite becoming a grandfather to his daughter Tiffany's first child, in order to pursue peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains engaged in Trump’s efforts to secure a resolution to the conflict that began with Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine in February 2022. However, Putin has declined in-person talks with Zelenskyy.
Trump urged both parties to forge a swift agreement to halt the conflict. Zelenskyy has consented to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day suspension of violence, yet Russian endorsement remains absent as it persists in attacking Ukrainian targets.
Concerning Putin's nonattendance at the Istanbul talks, Trump reiterated his understanding but stressed the urgency of resolution given the significant weekly casualties.
On Thursday, Trump emphasized to reporters the imperative nature of a meeting between him and Putin to break the current stalemate.
Trump expressed skepticism about any developments transpiring until such a meeting occurs, underscoring the necessity of addressing the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated from Moscow on Friday that any Trump-Putin meeting should be thoroughly prepared, yet acknowledged Russia's view that such a dialogue was essential to addressing global issues, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy called for a decisive response should the Istanbul talks fail, suggesting that such an outcome would highlight Russia's disinterest in ceasing hostilities.
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