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The U.S. State Department has not yet confirmed whether President Donald Trump will attend proposed Russia-Ukraine peace talks scheduled for Thursday in Türkiye, according to Regional Spokesman Samuel Werberg.
Trump revealed Monday he is considering traveling to Türkiye for the high-stakes diplomatic meeting, adding a significant new element to international efforts aimed at ending the three-year conflict.
"I don't know where I'll be at that moment. I'll be somewhere in the Middle East, but if I think it will be helpful, I can fly there (to Istanbul)," Trump said during a press conference at the Oval Office ahead of his Middle East trip.
The potential presidential visit follows Sunday's telephone conversation between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which both leaders characterized as productive.
"I had a very good and productive telephone conversation with President Erdogan," Trump wrote on Truth Social after the call. The leaders discussed the conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza, with Trump noting he was invited to visit Türkiye.
"I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, war between Russia and Ukraine ended—NOW!" Trump added.
Trump has intensified his diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, urging both sides to engage in direct talks. "Don't downplay the meeting that will take place in Türkiye on Thursday, President Erdogan will be a great host," Trump stated during the press conference, expressing optimism about the potential outcome.
The U.S. president noted the difficulties in bringing the warring parties together. "They couldn't have talks because one said 'Ceasefire' and the other said 'No.' I told them we need to stop this at this point. Just go to the meeting. Now the meeting is arranged, go to the meeting on Thursday," Trump said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul "to achieve the restoration of a long-term, lasting peace." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accepted the invitation, though with certain conditions.
"We await a full and lasting cease-fire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy," Zelensky posted on X. "There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses."
When asked if Russia would face sanctions if Putin fails to attend the meeting, Trump responded, "I have a feeling they will reach an agreement."
Trump has been increasingly vocal about ending the conflict, urging Ukraine on Sunday to "IMMEDIATELY" agree to meet with Putin. "President Putin of Russia doesn't want to have a cease-fire agreement with Ukraine but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH," Trump wrote.
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