U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not rule out a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, but emphasized that his schedule for Thursday is already filled with other important commitments. Nevertheless, Trump noted that he is willing to adjust his schedule if it helps save lives.
The American president clarified that he does not yet know whether Putin will come to Istanbul. His plans will depend on the Russian president’s visit.
He (Putin) would like me to be there, and it’s possible… I don’t know if he will be there if I’m not there. We will find out, Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, en route to Qatar.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that he would consider attending the talks if it would help end the conflict, but reminded that his work schedule is tight.
The situation is very busy. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it to save many lives, he remarked.
The U.S. president also stated that the U.S. always considers the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions on Russia.
As for the composition of the Russian delegation, the Kremlin has not yet officially announced it. However, Russian State Duma deputy Leonid Slutsky said the delegation’s makeup would be revealed later this evening. According to him, Russia is willing to discuss Ukraine’s proposal for a full prisoner exchange but emphasized that some Ukrainian soldiers will be tried by Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation will travel to Istanbul for talks scheduled for May 15. However, he noted that no specific instructions for this had been issued by President Putin. Peskov also added that Putin’s statements made on the night of May 10-11 remain relevant, and Russia will proceed with the previously proposed meeting with the Ukrainian side.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to hold talks in Istanbul but insists on Putin’s personal presence at the meeting.
