President Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, who has been requested to participate in peace talks regarding Ukraine.
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Turkey to engage in discussions about a possible ceasefire with Russian representatives. However, Putin chose not to attend and instead sent an advisor. Trump expressed that he wasn’t shocked by Putin’s absence, suggesting that without him there, Putin had little reason to show up.
“They all insisted that Putin would attend, along with Zelensky. I mentioned, ‘If I’m not there, I can assure you, Putin won’t be either,’ and he didn’t,” Trump remarked to reporters on Friday. “I understand that, but we will achieve it. We have to.”
When pressed about the timing of his meeting with Putin, Trump responded, “As soon as we can make it happen.”
Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after amassing troops along its border.
During the Trump administration, there has been a push for both Russia and Ukraine to agree on a suspension of hostilities. Ukraine has shown willingness for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has yet to reciprocate. Critics suggest that Putin is not genuinely interested in pursuing peace negotiations.
Recently, Trump indicated that meeting with Putin is essential due to meaningful advancements in discussions.
Meanwhile, negotiators from Russia and Ukraine convened in Istanbul on Friday for their first face-to-face peace talks in three years.
