President Trump stated on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the peace negotiations concerning Ukraine that were held in Turkey, noting that he was not surprised by Putin’s absence, as it mirrored his own.
“I actually said, ‘If I’m not going, why would he go?'” Trump remarked to reporters in Qatar. “I’m going, but I wasn’t going, and I thought, ‘I don’t think he’s going if I don’t go.'”
He left the door open for a potential trip to Turkey on Friday, although he acknowledged that he has a packed schedule at his next destination, the United Arab Emirates.
“If something comes up, I’ll go on Friday if it feels right,” Trump added.
While Putin skipped the face-to-face meeting with Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday, he did send an advisor in his place. Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, traveled to Türkiye for discussions.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of knowing the Russian delegation’s level and their authority to make decisions, as that clarity is crucial. “We all know who really makes the decisions in Russia,” he pointed out.
Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after amassing troops along the border.
The Trump administration has been advocating for both Russia and Ukraine to agree to halt hostilities. While Ukraine has expressed willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire, Russia has yet to reciprocate. Critics contend that Putin is not genuinely interested in pursuing peace talks.
