In a key development ahead of the anticipated Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the negotiations, according to a Reuters report citing an unnamed senior U.S. official.
Trump Skips Istanbul Amid Middle East Tour
Earlier today, Trump stated he was still considering attending, despite a packed schedule during his ongoing Middle East tour. He is scheduled to arrive in the United Arab Emirates tomorrow, following meetings in Qatar.
“Putin would like me to be there. It’s a possibility… I don’t know if he’d show up if I’m not there. We’ll see,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Doha.
Putin Also Absent – Medinski to Lead Russian Delegation
In a parallel announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed he will not attend the talks in person. Instead, Vladimir Medinski, Putin’s close aide, will lead the Russian delegation in Istanbul.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly en route to Turkey, and had previously expressed hope for a face-to-face meeting with Trump during the negotiations.
Significance of Absences Raises Questions
With both Trump and Putin absent, the high-stakes Istanbul summit—scheduled to begin tomorrow—may face reduced diplomatic weight, casting uncertainty over the prospects for meaningful progress in de-escalating the conflict.
