The highly anticipated meeting between the U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and representatives from Ukraine and Russia is set to take place in Turkey this Friday. This meeting comes on the heels of a day filled with confusion and uncertainty regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending this crucial gathering, as President Zelenskyy is currently in Albania while President Putin remains in Moscow.
In a related development, former President Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with President Putin as soon as possible to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Speaking from Abu Dhabi on Friday morning, Trump stated, “We’re going to do it.” He emphasized the potential for a safer world, suggesting that in two to three weeks, significant progress could be made towards peace. “I actually think it’s time for us to do it,” he added, indicating his belief that a resolution is within reach.
Trump also highlighted the urgency of addressing multiple global crises, particularly the humanitarian situation in Gaza. “A lot of people are starving. A lot of people. There’s a lot of bad things going on,” he remarked, pointing to the interconnected nature of international conflicts and the pressing need for diplomatic solutions.
A diplomatic source from Ukraine, speaking from Istanbul, conveyed the country's appreciation for Trump's genuine effort to bring an end to the war. The source stated, “We value President Trump’s genuine effort to end the war and stop the killing. Ukraine itself is the country that wants peace more than anyone else.” This sentiment underscores Ukraine's commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution, particularly given the staggering loss of life, with reports indicating that an average of 5,000 young people are being killed every week due to the ongoing conflict.
The upcoming meeting in Turkey represents a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. With key leaders absent, the onus falls on the U.S. delegation and the representatives from Ukraine and Russia to navigate this complex situation. As President Trump and others advocate for direct negotiations, hopes for a peaceful resolution remain high. The world watches closely, as these discussions could pave the way for a safer future.
ABC News' Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.
