**US President Trump Blocks Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks**
In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump has said that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will not happen until he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to meet with top officials in Istanbul on May 16.
Speaking from Air Force One, Trump told journalists, “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together.” He downplayed Russia’s absence at the talks, saying, “Why would he go if I’m not going?” This statement has left many wondering what this means for the stalled peace efforts in Ukraine.
**Russia Rejects Meeting with Zelensky**
Despite Trump’s optimism about the talks, Putin has rejected President Zelensky’s appeal to meet in person in Istanbul. Instead, Russia dispatched a delegation of junior aides and deputy ministers, which Ukraine sees as a “sham.” This move has been met with criticism from other countries, including Estonia, where Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called it a “slap in the face.”
**Ukraine’s Position**
Zelensky has expressed his disappointment at Putin’s absence, saying that without him, “nothing will happen.” He also noted that Ukraine needs to understand what level of authority Russia’s delegation has and whether they can make decisions on their own. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, has also criticized Russia for its recent rhetoric, calling it a “laughing stock.”
**US Involvement**
Top US administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are expected to join the discussions in Istanbul on May 16. However, Trump’s latest comments have raised questions about his own role in the negotiations. Despite previously suggesting he might join the talks if progress is made, it seems that Russia’s absence has changed things.
**NATO Summit**
This comes as President Zelensky prepares to attend a NATO summit for the first time since Ukraine’s full-scale invasion was launched by Russia. The Magura drones, which were pivotal in turning the tide of war on the Black Sea, have been a key point of discussion at the meeting.
**Background**
The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are aimed at achieving “sustainable peace” by addressing the root causes of the conflict rather than just a ceasefire. However, these efforts have been stalled for some time now, with both sides unable to agree on terms.
**Next Steps**
It remains to be seen how this situation will play out in the coming days and weeks. Will Trump’s meeting with Putin lead to any progress in the peace talks? Only time will tell.
