President Donald Trump announced Thursday he would skip planned Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, citing scheduling conflicts. During a business roundtable in Doha, he downplayed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision not to attend, suggesting he saw no point in proceeding without Putin.
Trump lamented the financial impact of the war, estimating $350 billion in U.S. spending on Ukraine. He criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him the ‘greatest salesman’ due to his fundraising success. This remark echoed previous tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, including their clash during a meeting in February and recent interactions at Pope Francis’ funeral.
The planned talks in Istanbul mark a significant development in efforts to broker a ceasefire. Putin had initially proposed the meeting, but Zelenskyy insisted on a direct dialogue with the Russian leader. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in Istanbul for meetings with NATO counterparts, while Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is also in the region for the talks.
Trump’s focus on the financial aspects of the war highlights his emphasis on fiscal responsibility, a stance reflecting his broader corporate and economic policies. His comments underscore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy amid ongoing global conflicts.