US President Donald Trump will not be heading to Turkey for the Russia-Ukraine peace talks set for Thursday, a US official confirmed on Wednesday.
The announcement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s release of his country’s delegation list, which notably excludes himself.
Trump had previously indicated he might attend the Ankara negotiations if Putin were also present. However, with Putin choosing not to participate directly, Trump has opted out of the talks.
The upcoming discussions in Turkey are part of broader international efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite multiple diplomatic initiatives—spearheaded by European powers, the United Nations, and others—meaningful progress toward a ceasefire or lasting peace has remained elusive.
Trump, who has often claimed he could end the war within 24 hours if re-elected in 2024, has sought to position himself as a key figure in the peace process. His consideration of attending the Ankara meeting was widely seen as an attempt to reinforce that image.
The talks are expected to include delegations from both Russia and Ukraine, along with Turkish mediators.
