**US and Ukraine Confirm Senior Officials Will Attend Peace Talks in Turkey**
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials will attend planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on May 15. This announcement comes as international attention focuses on the Turkish city, after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed hosting direct talks there between Kyiv and Moscow.
**A Long-Awaited Breakthrough?**
The confirmation marks a significant step forward in efforts to bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014. The planned talks have been met with cautious optimism by many, with hopes that they could lead to a lasting peace agreement between the two nations.
**US Officials Will Be Present**
President Trump made the announcement during the US-Saudi Investment Forum on May 13, stating: “Our people are going to be going there. Marco is going to be going there. Others are going to be going, and we’ll see if we can get it done.” Earlier, Reuters reported that envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg would travel to Istanbul to observe the negotiations.
**A Mixed Reaction from Kyiv**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will attend the talks but has expressed some caution regarding Russian intentions. In a statement on May 13, Zelensky noted: “We will be waiting to meet with Putin in Turkey… So that Russia does not manipulate cities and say that Putin is not ready to fly to Ankara, but is ready to fly only to Istanbul.” The Kremlin has acknowledged preparations for the talks but has yet to confirm whether President Putin will personally attend.
**The Role of Turkey**
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been actively involved in mediating between Ukraine and Russia. His willingness to host the talks in Istanbul has been seen as a key factor in bringing the two nations together. Zelensky is set to meet with Erdogan in Ankara ahead of the planned talks.
**Commentary**
This development comes at a critical juncture, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to simmer. The fact that senior US officials will be present at the talks marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict. However, the question remains: what exactly do the Russians have in mind? And can this latest attempt at peace negotiations succeed where previous efforts have failed?
**A Turning Point for US Policy?**
The involvement of Secretary Rubio and other senior officials underscores the growing importance of the conflict for Washington. It marks a significant departure from the Trump administration’s earlier reluctance to engage directly with Russia over Ukraine.
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