Currently, Trump is uncertain whether Putin will attend the scheduled talks in Turkey regarding the Ukrainian crisis
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed doubts in his recent comments about whether Russian leader Vladimir Putin will appear at the upcoming negotiations in Turkey aimed at resolving the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. According to the American president, he does not have definitive information about his Russian colleague’s plans, and the situation could still change. Trump made this statement on Tuesday morning while en route to Qatar on an official visit, reports Reuters, citing his words. When asked by journalists, who were accompanying him on board Air Force One, Trump noted that he does not have clear information about Putin’s intentions regarding participation in the scheduled talks in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15. Specifically, he said: "He would like me to be there, and that’s entirely possible. ... But I don’t know if he will show up if I am not there. Depending on the circumstances, we will see." The American leader also suggested the possibility of traveling to Turkey as part of his planned trip to the Middle East this week. These comments come amid serious diplomatic considerations surrounding the regional conflict. The background to the situation is provided by statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who announced intentions to hold "direct negotiations" with Kyiv in Istanbul, scheduled for May 15. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly stated that he is ready for a personal meeting with Putin on the same day in Istanbul, confirming his openness to diplomatic resolution of the conflict. It is also significant that, owing to this uncertainty and tension within diplomatic circles, various forecasts about the development of events have appeared. For example, the Kremlin indicates that preparations for the negotiations are ongoing, and they remain committed to holding the meeting in Istanbul on May 15, but no official comments regarding possible changes or cancellations have been made at this time. Thus, the situation around the upcoming negotiations in Turkey remains uncertain. Against the backdrop of diplomatic maneuvering and leaders’ statements, it is unclear whether the planned meeting will actually take place or if it will be adjusted depending on political developments and internal decisions in Moscow and Kyiv. Meanwhile, the world is closely monitoring this situation, as its outcome will influence the further course of the conflict, and the international community needs to understand what diplomatic steps will be taken in the coming days.