Trump's top officials going to Türkiye for Russia-Ukraine talks
The talks, which are expected to be held in Istanbul on Thursday, were originally proposed last week by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who offered to resume direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev without any preconditions in order to reach a lasting settlement to the Ukraine conflict.
Vladimir Zelensky has expressed his readiness to engage in dialogue with the Russian side, but has insisted that it be preceded by an unconditional 30-day ceasefire – a demand Moscow has repeatedly rejected. Zelensky has also said that he would only attend the meeting in Istanbul if Putin comes in person.
Trump has also supported the proposal to renew talks between Moscow and Kiev. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday ahead of his Middle East tour, the US President stated that he might even personally attend the negotiations in Türkiye, especially if Putin decides to attend.
'I was thinking about actually flying over there. There's a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen,' Trump said. 'Don't underestimate Thursday in Turkey,' he added.
Moscow has not commented on the possibility of Putin traveling to Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also has yet to confirm who would be representing Moscow during the talks, stating that the Russian president's decision on the matter will be announced in due time.
According to Reuters, regardless of whether Putin, Zelensky or Trump decide to take part in the talks, Kellogg and Witkoff have been ordered to go to Istanbul on Thursday to attend the meeting. The outlet noted that the two senior advisers will not actually take direct part in the negotiations and will only play the role of observers.
While it's still unclear if the talks will actually take place and in what form, Peskov has stated that preparations for Thursday's negotiations are underway. He has also ruled out the possibility of any of Kiev's Western European backers taking part in the process, arguing that they are 'entirely on Ukraine's side' and 'rather pro-war,' which excludes them from being considered 'unbiased.'
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