U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are still undecided about attending possible peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday. The Kremlin has not confirmed who will represent Russia, despite Putin proposing direct negotiations “without any preconditions.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would join only if Putin attends in person. Trump has also said he might go, but has yet to confirm. He added that Putin “would like me to be there,” and hinted the Kremlin might back out if he does not show up.
Trump wants both sides to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy supports the plan immediately. Putin, however, insists talks must come first before any ceasefire deal is made.
A Russian lawmaker said a prisoner exchange could also be discussed during the meeting. The talks, if they go ahead, would be the first face-to-face encounter between Russian and Ukrainian leaders since 2019.
Speculation grew about Russia’s delegation. Reports suggested Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and aide Yuri Ushakov might attend. But Russian outlet Kommersant reported Lavrov will not be present. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm names, saying the
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