ANKARA, May 15 (Alliance News): Former US President Donald Trump will not attend the upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks scheduled for Thursday in Ankara, a US official confirmed on Wednesday.
The announcement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s release of Moscow’s official delegation list, which notably excludes himself.
Trump had earlier suggested he might consider attending the negotiations if Putin also participated directly.
With Putin opting to send representatives instead, Trump decided against making the trip. His absence underscores the cautious diplomacy surrounding ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which erupted with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Turkey-hosted meeting is part of continued international attempts to facilitate peace. While such initiatives—backed by the United Nations, European nations, and regional powers—have yet to yield a breakthrough, Ankara has remained a key player due to its open channels with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump has frequently stated he could resolve the conflict “within 24 hours” if re-elected in 2024. His brief consideration of attending the Ankara talks was seen by observers as an effort to reinforce his self-styled image as a global dealmaker.
The Ankara meeting is set to include Russian and Ukrainian officials along with Turkish mediators, reflecting Turkey’s ongoing role as a diplomatic bridge in the conflict.
