Trump, after skipping Russia-Ukraine peace talks, wants to meet Putin ‘as soon as we can set it up’
Share this @internewscast.com

President Donald Trump expressed on Friday his intent to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine “as soon as we can arrange it.”

The president, speaking from Abu Dhabi during the last stop of his four-day Middle East tour, said: “I think it’s time for us to just do it.” 

Trump had said earlier that a meeting between him and Putin was crucial to breaking the deadlock. 

Earlier this week, Russian President Putin rejected an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for direct peace talks in Istanbul. Trump noted that he doesn’t believe Putin would participate in the discussions unless he himself was present.

Regardless, Zelenskyy announced that he was dispatching a delegation, led by his defense minister, to the meeting in Istanbul on Friday. Zelenskyy commented that this action would demonstrate to Trump Ukraine’s commitment to pursue peace talks despite Russia’s hesitance, amid significant diplomatic activity from both Kyiv and Moscow.

The Russian delegation also includes three other senior officials, the Kremlin said. Putin also appointed four lower-level officials as “experts” for the talks.

russian president vladimir putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Russian delegation and some officials ahead of the Istanbul talks, on May 14, 2025 in Moscow, Russia.  (Kremlin Press Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ahead of Friday’s talks, a three-way meeting between Turkey, the U.S. and Ukraine also took place, per Turkish Foreign Ministry officials. The U.S. side included Secretary of State Marco Rubio as well as retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg.

Rubio on Thursday said he did not foresee any major breakthroughs in Istanbul.

“We don’t have high expectations of what will happen tomorrow. And frankly, at this point, I think it’s abundantly clear that the only way we’re going to have a breakthrough here is between President Trump and President Putin,” Rubio told reporters Thursday in Antalya, Turkey.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access

Historic Breakthrough: South African Rowers of Color Make Waves at the Prestigious Charles Regatta

BOSTON (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, a group of four rowers…
JD Vance Challenges Dems to Denounce Mamdani Appearing With 1993 WTC Bombing 'Unindicted Co-Conspirator'

JD Vance Urges Democrats to Condemn Mamdani for Association with Controversial 1993 WTC Bombing Figure

As previously noted, Vice President JD Vance took the stage at Camp…
'No Kings' protest in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Attention: Citizens Rally for Equality and Justice

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Protesters gathered in St. Augustine on Saturday as…
Louvre museum closed after robbery, French official says

Shocking Heist Forces Louvre Museum Closure: French Authorities Investigate

In an audacious heist, thieves infiltrated the Louvre museum in Paris, making…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Why do people wear inflatable costumes to 'No Kings' protests?

Unpacking the Inflatable Costume Phenomenon: Why Protesters Choose Air-Filled Attire at ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, amid protests against U.S. Immigration…
CTU, IFT union news: Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates elected to lead Illinois Federation of Teachers

Stacy Davis Gates Elected to Lead Illinois Federation of Teachers, Strengthening Union Leadership Across Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been appointed as the…
Halloween 2025: Mariano's shares spooky Halloween recipes to help you become the ghostest with the mostest

Spooktacular Halloween 2025: Mariano’s Unveils Creative Recipes to Elevate Your Festive Feast

CHICAGO (WLS) — The countdown to Halloween is on, with less than…
Sam Rivers, bass player for Limp Bizkit, has died at 48, the band says

Limp Bizkit Confirms Passing of Bassist Sam Rivers at Age 48

The world of metal music is mourning the loss of Sam Rivers,…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
BTK killer's daughter calls him 'subhuman' after final prison confrontation ends relationship

BTK Killer’s Daughter Denounces Father as ‘Subhuman’ in Emotional Final Prison Visit

Almost two decades after Dennis Rader was incarcerated, his daughter, Kerri Rawson,…