Trump to skip Russia-Ukraine peace talks, calls Zelenskyy the ‘greatest salesman, maybe in history’
Share this @internewscast.com

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced his decision to skip the peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, and he minimized the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s choice to also be absent.

Initially, Trump had advocated for a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul. However, during a business roundtable with executives in Doha, as part of his four-day regional tour, Trump cited scheduling conflicts as his reason for not attending.

“I actually said, why would he go if I’m not going?” Trump mentioned when questioned by a reporter about his feelings on Putin’s decision not to join the peace talks. “I didn’t think it was possible for Putin to go if I’m not there.”

Trump earlier this week floated the idea of potentially attending himself. But he noted during the business roundtable that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was already in Istanbul for meetings with NATO counterparts. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, also plans to be in Istanbul on Friday for the anticipated Russia-Ukraine talks.

“I have to hand it to him. I think he’s the greatest salesman, maybe in history. Every time he came to the United States, he’d walk away with $100 billion. That’s a good salesman, right?” Trump said. “Last time he didn’t do as well. He only got $60 billion.” 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 13, 2025.  (Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Zelenskyy last visited the White House in February, but tensions quickly broke out with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral last month. 

Later Thursday, Trump will visit a U.S. installation in Qatar at the center of American involvement in the Middle East. He has used his four-day visit to Gulf states to reject the “interventionism” of America’s past in the region.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.  

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Enigmatic Abandoned Maldives Resort: Eerie Decay of Villas, Murky Pools, and Dusty Massage Tables Unveiled

AN ABANDONED luxury resort rotting away in the Maldives with derelict villas…
Judge's gavel and euro banknotes representing judicial corruption.

Lawsuit Filed Against Controversial July 1 Law Cutting Benefits for US Residents: A Last-Ditch Effort to Halt the Changes

A CONTROVERSIAL new law that will take away benefits from certain US…
Chemical plant emitting smoke over a grassy field.

Residents Frustrated by Year-Long Odor Issue from Rendering Plant Causing Unbearable ‘Rotting Flesh’ Smell

RESIDENTS of one city have been plagued by a foul-smelling issue for…
Funeral held for Adriana Smith, who gave birth while on life support

Adriana Smith, Who Gave Birth on Life Support, Honored at Funeral

Lawmakers, nurses and family paid tribute to Adriana Smith during her funeral…
For New Yorkers Looking to Flee, a Cautionary Warning: Florida Is Not the Paradise You May Envision

Thinking of Leaving New York? Here’s Why Florida Might Not Be the Paradise You Expect

The rise of Zohran Mamdani as a contender against Eric Adams for…
Semi-truck transporting 10,000 bottles of whiskey tips over -- but doesn't spill a drop

Semi-Truck Carrying 10,000 Whiskey Bottles Overturns Without a Spill

They avoided a major party foul. A semi-truck carrying 10,000 bottles of…
Minnesota lawmakers shot: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz attend funeral for former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Minnesota Lawmakers Attacked: Leaders Including Joe Biden Attend Memorial for Ex-State Speaker Melissa Hortman

MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was celebrated for…
My girlfriend doesn't want me to spend money on my kids

My girlfriend doesn’t want me financially supporting my children

DEAR ABBY: When my ex-wife passed away recently, she left a house…
Man in suit outside the Internet Watch Foundation.

Ministers alert: Online child sexual abuse poised to become the next major grooming crisis

ONLINE child sexual abuse could be “the next grooming crisis”, experts warn…
USPS mail truck leaving a post office.

USPS Criticized as ‘Ineffective System’ After Thousands of Letters and Packages Discovered Abandoned Amid Major Delays

USPS has been blasted by frustrated customers after thousands of letters and…
Minnesota lawmakers shot: Former President Joe Biden pays respects as Melissa, Mark Hortman, dog lying in state; Boelter in court

Former President Joe Biden Honors Minnesota Lawmakers: Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with their dog, Lie in State; Boelter Appears in Court

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former President Joe Biden joined a large crowd…
It’s Time to Pass the Big Beautiful Bill to Unlock the Golden Era of American Housing

Unlock a New Golden Era in American Housing: Pass the Game-Changing Bill Now

By Daniel Keenan A family that frequently comes to mind is the…