U.S. President considers attending face-to-face negotiations in Istanbul as Ukraine signals readiness for ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he may travel to Turkey later this week to attend potential peace negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to reporters before departing for a diplomatic tour of three Middle Eastern countries, Trump said:
“I don’t know where I’ll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings. But I was seriously considering flying there. There’s a possibility, I think, if I see something could actually happen.”
Zelensky Welcomes Trump’s Involvement in Talks
President Zelensky expressed strong support for Trump’s possible attendance, urging for a comprehensive ceasefire and direct negotiations with Putin on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul.
“Of course, we in Ukraine would welcome President Trump’s presence at this meeting in Turkey,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
He confirmed his plans to personally travel to Istanbul, hoping to be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“We can change a lot,” Zelensky added.
Putin Proposed the Talks — But Will He Attend?
The proposal for the Istanbul summit reportedly came from President Putin, but the Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will attend in person.
On Monday, May 12, the Kremlin offered no direct answer about the Russian leader’s participation. A spokesperson reiterated Russia’s refusal to consider Ukraine and its allies’ calls for a 30-day ceasefire.
The possibility of face-to-face negotiations comes as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fourth year, with continued Western military and economic support flowing into Ukraine. The United States, under Trump’s new term, has stepped up efforts to mediate a lasting truce.
A Critical Week for Diplomacy
With both Kyiv and Washington pushing for a peaceful resolution and Turkey acting as a neutral host, all eyes are now on whether Putin will respond to Zelensky’s public challenge to meet.
The Istanbul summit, should it occur with Trump present, could become one of the most significant diplomatic events in the war so far.
