Donald Trump on Ukraine Peace Talks: Direct Putin Meeting Needed

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Stalled

• 📌 Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey have low expectations for progress, with the US asserting that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin need to meet for any advancement.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine's President Zelensky arrived in Turkey, ready for talks, but accused Putin of not being serious, especially after the Russian president decided not to attend.

Trump's Stance on Negotiations

• 🗣️ Donald Trump stated that "nothing is going to happen until Putin and I get together ok?", suggesting his direct involvement is crucial.
• ✈️ Trump, while on tour in the Middle East, had previously indicated he might attend if his presence would be helpful, but later expressed doubt that Putin would attend unless he himself was present.

US Secretary of State's View

• 💬 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump's sentiment, stating there would be no breakthrough without direct talks between Trump and Putin.
• 🗺️ Rubio indicated that while Trump is willing to have direct talks with Putin, it is unlikely to happen this week, with Trump's immediate travel plans being to Washington D.C.

Russian Delegation's Position

• 🇷🇺 President Putin sent a lower-level delegation to Istanbul, with his spokesman suggesting they needed to see how the talks progressed before further action.
• 🕊️ The head of the Russian delegation claimed Moscow sought lasting peace, but overall expectations for the talks to bring peace in Ukraine closer remained minimal.