Türkiye proposes meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy after Istanbul talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (Getty Images)
Türkiye has proposed holding a meeting between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said during his visit to Kyiv, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
According to Fidan, a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be the next step following potential new negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, which may take place as early as next week.
"We sincerely think that it is possible to cap the first and second direct Istanbul talks with a meeting between Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelenskyy, under the direction of Mr. Erdoğan," said the Turkish Foreign Minister.
"This is our view: as long as (the sides) remain at the negotiating table, progress can surely be seen," he recently told the news conference.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated he was willing to sit down at the negotiating table with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin "if it's necessary."
Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul
On May 16, the first round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives took place in Türkiye, during which possible ways to end the war were discussed. Following the talks, the delegations agreed to prepare written proposals outlining the terms of a potential ceasefire.
However, Russia has been delaying the submission of its memorandum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia is doing everything to prolong the war and sabotage the negotiations, which is why the delivery of the document is being postponed.
Recently, Russia proposed holding a second round of negotiations on June 2 in Istanbul. Ukraine is ready for further talks with Russia but insists on receiving Moscow's so-called memorandum regarding a possible truce before the meeting.
According to media reports, the US delegation will not attend the second round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Türkiye.
