Asger Risom
US President hints at surprise visit to critical negotiations
President of the United States, Donald Trump, has hinted he might personally attend possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia scheduled to take place in Istanbul this Thursday, according to Digi24.
Speaking before his upcoming trip to the Gulf for meetings with regional leaders, Trump said, “I was thinking of flying there.
I don’t know where I will be on Thursday. I have so many meetings, but I was thinking of actually flying there.” The president suggested that if the conditions seemed right, his presence could help push for a positive outcome.
Uncertain Prospects for Peace
The invitation for the summit was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who publicly called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join him for direct negotiations.
So far, Moscow has remained non-committal about whether Putin will attend. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia is focusing on “serious” avenues to secure long-term peace but refused to comment directly on Zelensky’s request.
Zelensky has emphasized that any talks must be preceded by a comprehensive ceasefire.
“The first step to truly ending any war is a ceasefire,” he said in his nightly address, adding that he would await Putin’s response in Istanbul.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to press both sides for dialogue.
In a recent Truth Social post, he stated, “President Putin of Russia does not want a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine but rather wants to meet Thursday in Turkey to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
Skepticism Surrounds Negotiations
The proposal for talks comes after European leaders met with Zelensky in Kyiv, threatening further sanctions and increased military aid if Russia refused to halt hostilities. However, analysts remain doubtful that any breakthrough will be reached even if the talks proceed. Turkish President Erdoğan has confirmed that Turkey is prepared to host the summit, calling it a potential “historic turning point.”
The situation remains tense, with both Washington and Europe warning that without real progress, they may reconsider their diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
