The US president has additionally provided to personally attend the potential peace negotiations in Istanbul
US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to ship his senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg to Türkiye this week to attend the potential talks between Moscow and Kiev, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing nameless sources.
The talks, that are anticipated to be held in Istanbul on Thursday, have been initially proposed final week by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who provided to renew direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev with none preconditions so as to attain a long-lasting settlement to the Ukraine battle.
Vladimir Zelensky has expressed his readiness to have interaction in dialogue with the Russian aspect, however has insisted that or not it’s preceded by an unconditional 30-day ceasefire – a requirement Moscow has repeatedly rejected. Zelensky has additionally stated that he would solely attend the assembly in Istanbul if Putin is available in particular person.
Trump has additionally supported the proposal to resume talks between Moscow and Kiev. Talking to reporters on the White Home on Tuesday forward of his Center East tour, the US President acknowledged that he may even personally attend the negotiations in Türkiye, particularly if Putin decides to attend.
“I used to be desirous about really flying over there. There’s a risk of it, I suppose, if I feel issues can occur,” Trump stated. “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” he added.
Moscow has not commented on the opportunity of Putin touring to Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov additionally has but to substantiate who can be representing Moscow through the talks, stating that the Russian president’s determination on the matter might be introduced in due time.
In accordance with Reuters, no matter whether or not Putin, Zelensky or Trump resolve to participate within the talks, Kellogg and Witkoff have been ordered to go to Istanbul on Thursday to attend the assembly. The outlet famous that the 2 senior advisers won’t really take direct half within the negotiations and can solely play the position of observers.
Whereas it’s nonetheless unclear if the talks will really happen and in what kind, Peskov has acknowledged that preparations for Thursday’s negotiations are underway. He has additionally dominated out the opportunity of any of Kiev’s Western European backers participating within the course of, arguing that they’re “fully on Ukraine’s aspect” and “fairly pro-war,” which excludes them from being thought of “unbiased.”
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