On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump brought up the possibility of participating in face-to-face discussions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul later this week.
While addressing the press at the White House, Trump, who is set to visit the Middle East this week, expressed optimism, stating that “you could see a positive outcome from the meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine on Thursday.”
“I was considering the idea of flying over,” the president remarked. “Even though I have many meetings scheduled, I was contemplating the possibility of going there. If I believe that something could come of it, it may happen; however, we need to make it happen.”
Ukraine, alongside its European partners, is pressing Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire by the end of Monday, warning of further sanctions should Moscow choose not to comply.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has largely dismissed this proposal, suggesting instead that direct negotiations with Ukraine take place in Istanbul on Thursday. Putin indicated that during these discussions, a temporary halt in hostilities could potentially be established.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has challenged Putin to meet with him in Istanbul on the proposed date, but the Kremlin has not yet indicated whether it supports or dismisses the idea of such a personal encounter.
An unnamed Ukrainian official informed Axios that Zelensky intends to go to Turkey regardless of Russia’s position on the 30-day ceasefire.
Earlier on Monday, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia had conducted multiple drone strikes across the country overnight.
Reporting by Reuters contributed to this article.
