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U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering traveling to Istanbul on May 15 to participate in potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, stating it could be an opportunity to end the conflict.
"This is an opportunity to end the war. I'll think about it (traveling to Türkiye). Tomorrow (Thursday) is completely booked, as you understand. But I'm ready (to change my schedule) to save lives," Trump told journalists aboard the presidential aircraft, according to a White House press pool report.
Another report mentioned that Türkiye still has no information about the possibility of Trump coming to Istanbul for talks, a diplomatic source in Ankara told Russian media outlet RIA Novosti.
Trump said he admits the possibility of a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Türkiye if it helps end the conflict in Ukraine, but noted that he already has “everything scheduled” for Thursday.
“There is no information,” the agency's interlocutor said when asked about the possibility of the White House chief's visit to Türkiye.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, when asked about reports that President Trump might fly to Türkiye if Putin attends the negotiations, said there are "many statements attracting attention" and suggested monitoring how the situation develops.
"There are many statements that attract attention. We need to see how the situation develops," Ushakov said.
The potential talks follow Putin's proposal for Russia and Ukraine to hold direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated he would wait for Putin in Istanbul, stating he would attend personally.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump suggested the Russian president is eager for his participation.
"I don't know if he's showing up. I know he would like me to be there. And that's a possibility," Trump said.
"I've been thinking about that. Now, tomorrow, we're all booked out, you understand that. We're going to the UAE tomorrow. So we have a very full situation. Now that doesn't mean I wouldn't do it to save a lot of lives and come back. But yeah, I've been thinking about it. I don't know that he would be there if I'm not there. We're going to find out," Trump added.
When asked about Putin's handling of peace efforts, Trump responded: "I don't know. I'll let you know in a week. I'll let you know in a few days."
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, when asked about reports that President Trump might fly to Türkiye if Putin attends the negotiations, said there are "many statements attracting attention" and suggested monitoring how the situation develops.
"There are many statements that attract attention. We need to see how the situation develops," Ushakov said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Wednesday that the Russian delegation will wait for their Ukrainian counterparts in Istanbul to resume peace talks interrupted in March 2022, but said Putin has yet to decide who will be representing Moscow.
When asked about the names of individuals in the delegation, Peskov said: "We will do that once we receive corresponding instructions from the president; so far, no such instructions have been given."
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