The U.S. President has offered to visit Turkey to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for peace negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. The offer comes as Putin’s participation in planned Turkey talks on May 15 remains unconfirmed.
Zelenskiy is set to travel to Turkey, anticipating a potential face-to-face with Putin after the Russian leader suggested direct discussions. However, Putin has not yet confirmed his attendance, stating his delegation’s composition depends on his order. Zelenskiy insists on meeting only with Putin, not a broader Russian delegation.
While flying from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, the U.S. President told reporters he would consider going to Turkey to help end the war, stating, “If we could end the war, I would consider it.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov maintained that the offer for talks stands, with Russia ready to announce its delegation. Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara but indicated a willingness to meet Putin in Istanbul if the Russian leader decides to go.
Political analyst Natalia Savshukova suggested Putin’s primary interest is meeting the former U.S. President, with Ukraine serving as a pretext. Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak warned that Putin’s absence in Turkey would signal Moscow’s lack of interest in genuine peace negotiations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is already in Turkey for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also be in Turkey, alongside senior U.S. envoys for potential peace talks.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Sybiha asked him to inquire with Putin about his readiness for a peace deal, adding he might visit Moscow if needed.
Last week, the U.S. President urged Ukraine to immediately hold direct talks with Russia, disregarding Kyiv’s demand for a ceasefire first. He has previously claimed he could end the war within 24 hours if back in office.
