President Trump stated on the 15th that no progress would be made in Russia-Ukraine negotiations before his meeting with Russian President Putin.
Speaking on Air Force One en route to the UAE, he told the media: “Nothing will happen with (Russia-Ukraine negotiations) before Putin and I meet.”
Russia and Ukraine plan to hold direct negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey. Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Ankara on the 15th to meet with Turkish President Erdogan.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov, when asked if Putin would attend if Trump is present, said that Russia is still unclear on how the negotiations will proceed.
He stated: “At this moment, we cannot determine the required form of participation or level of involvement because we are not sure if the Ukrainian negotiating team will be present and how the negotiations will unfold.”
Trump had pointed out during his visit to Qatar that if there is progress and it is appropriate, he might go to Turkey on the 16th.
No Expectations for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on the 15th that he does not expect any breakthroughs in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
In Antalya, Turkey, he said: “To be honest, I believe unless President Trump and President Putin meet face to face to determine Putin’s next steps, we won't see any breakthroughs.”