Russian President Vladimir Putin and American counterpart Donald Trump.
Abu Dhabi: US President Donald Trump on Friday indicated that he was moving rapidly towards direct talks with Russia President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s statement came when Putin refused to attend the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey. Trump, who came on a four-day visit to West Asia, told reporters in Abu Dhabi, “I think the time has come to sit face to face.” Trump clarified that he was not surprised to withdraw from Putin’s talks. He said, “Putin is not going there because I am not there.”
Trump-Putin meeting will be held soon
Trump confirmed that he would interact directly with Putin and the meeting “will be held immediately as soon as it is decided.” She also told that her daughter Tiffany has recently become a mother and she is keen to meet her newborn grandson. Trump said, “I want to see my beautiful grandson.”
Jailonsky ready, not Putin
Ukraine President Volodimir Jailonski has agreed over the US conversation in mediation. He has also approved the 30-day ceasefire scheme, but Russia has continued attacks on Ukrainian bases, denying the scheme. Putin has clearly rejected any possibility of meeting Jailonsky face to face.
Peace talks in Istanbul, expectations blurred
Russia and Ukraine delegations are going to meet for a direct peace talks in Istanbul for the first time in three years. However, officials and analysts believe that there is no immediate progress in the direction of ending war with this meeting.
Trump’s tough message
Trump bluntly said, “Nothing will be solid until Putin and I sit together – whether anyone likes this or not. But we have to solve it, because many people are being killed.” (AP)
