Trump says Putin meeting crucial for peace in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump says a Russia - Ukraine peace deal hinges on him having a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Putin has refused to attend proposed peace talks in Turkey, sending a lower-level delegation instead.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Putin's absence, saying it demonstrates a lack of seriousness about ending the war.
Mr Zelensky confirmed a Ukrainian delegation, led by the defence minister, would attend the talks in Istanbul.
Mr Trump is currently on a tour of the Middle East but said he would go to Istanbul for the peace talks 'if it was appropriate'.
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