Trump considers attending Russia Ukraine talks in Türkiye: “If something happens, I would go on Friday if appropriate.”
The Republican president stressed the importance of these negotiations and said that the United States could contribute to a “psychological” change that would favor the peace process.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is still considering traveling to Turkey to participate in the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at ending the three-year conflict.
Trump indicated in Qatar that, if conditions were right, he could attend the meeting next Friday.
” If something happens, I would go on Friday if it’s appropriate ,” he said. The Republican president emphasized the importance of these negotiations and said the United States could contribute to a “psychological” change that would benefit the peace process.
The direct meeting in Türkiye is scheduled to begin this Thursday, with the aim of advancing the resolution of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the meeting and demonstrate his commitment to peace. However, Russia decided to send a lower-ranking delegation, a decision Trump considered predictable.
“ Why would Putin go if I’m not going?” Trump declared.
It’s worth remembering that upon taking office, Trump promised to end the war immediately, but Russia rejected his proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, backed by the United States and Ukraine.
Despite increasingly close relations between Ukraine and the US administration, Trump was critical of Zelensky during his speech in Qatar, describing him as a “ big salesman .”
The Republican president also referred to the reduction in US military aid to Ukraine during his administration, noting that the reduction was “as easy as taking candy from a baby.”
Regarding his Gulf tour, Trump highlighted the logistical complications of traveling to Türkiye, although he acknowledged the work of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“He’s doing a fantastic job. Marco is there ,” he added.
Iranian nuclear program
In parallel, Trump announced progress in negotiations with Iran over that country’s nuclear program.
During his visit to Qatar, he asserted that an agreement is close to being reached that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. ” We will not allow Iran to produce nuclear weapons ,” he stated.
The president’s remarks sparked a strong reaction in the energy markets . Oil prices fell by more than three percent after his remarks. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 3.29% to $61.07, and Brent fell 3.15% to $64.01 per barrel.
Trump also indicated that Iran would likely accept the terms of the agreement , though he did not provide specific details.
According to Ali Shamkhani , an advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , Iran would be willing to accept substantial restrictions on its nuclear program if economic sanctions are lifted.
Shamkhani raised the possibility of pledging not to develop nuclear weapons, giving up his stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and authorizing international inspections , in exchange for immediate economic relief.
Asked by NBC whether he would sign an agreement with President Donald Trump’s administration under those terms, he responded with a terse “yes . “
The remarks follow the fourth round of talks between the two governments on Sunday, the highest-level diplomatic contact since the United States withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) .
(With information from EFE and AFP)
