U.S. President Donald Trump stated that no progress will be made in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine until he personally meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Source: Reuters, White House Press Office
Details: While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One prior to landing in Dubai during his Middle East trip, Trump mentioned that he knows "nothing" about the meeting in Turkey and the composition of the Russian delegation.
He stressed that no advancements will occur without his in-person meeting with the Russian dictator.
Direct Quote: "Nothing will happen until we meet with Putin".
What Preceded:
- Vladimir Putin late on May 14 approved the delegation for negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey, but he himself is not on the list.
- Previously, media reports indicated that Trump would not travel to Turkey, although he had mentioned he was "considering" a visit if Putin would also be there.
- Later, Trump expressed his willingness to arrive in Istanbul on Friday for talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.
- On May 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kremlin representatives, expressing concerns about the low-level Russian delegation.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin would not attend the talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that Putin ignored the opportunity to initiate peace talks in Istanbul, which Ukrainian President Zelensky was prepared for, sending a low-level delegation instead.
