Trump Skips Istanbul Talks Amid Putin’s Absence

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he would not attend the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence as a factor he would downplay.

While advocating for a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump cited a scheduling conflict during a business roundtable with executives in Doha. “I actually said, if I don’t go, why is he going?” he remarked when questioned about his feelings over Putin’s choice to skip the talks. He expressed doubt that Putin would have attended if he had been present.

This week, Trump suggested that he might participate himself. However, during the roundtable, he indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was already in Istanbul for a meeting with NATO officials. Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkov, is expected in Istanbul on Friday for further discussions regarding the Russian-Ukrainian situation.

The call for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin follows an uptick in negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire between the two nations.

Putin had initially proposed renewing direct peace discussions this Thursday in Istanbul, with Zelensky challenging Kremlin representatives to meet face-to-face there.

Regarding the talks, the Kremlin reported that their delegation would be led by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky. Ukrainian advisor Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized that Zelensky would only engage directly with Putin.

While in Doha, Trump emphasized the urgent need to end the war, lamenting the loss of life and the extensive resources wasted on the conflict. “We spent $350 billion there—no one knows where the money is. It’s just giving him money,” he commented, alluding to Zelensky.

Trump also remarked on Zelensky’s skills as a negotiator, stating, “I have to give it to him. I think he’s the greatest salesman in history. Every time he comes to the US, he’ll leave for $100 billion. That’s a good salesman, right?”

Zelensky last visited the White House in February, although relations have since deteriorated, especially with President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Their most recent encounter was at Pope Francis’ funeral last month.

Later on Thursday, Trump plans to visit a US facility in Qatar, a significant location for America’s role in the Middle East, using this trip to criticize previous US interventionism in the region.