US envoy claims: Trump will attend Istanbul talks under one condition

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

US President Donald Trump will attend peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, but only if one other person comes.

As he stated, if Russian President Vladimir Putin confirms his participation, Trump will come, said Trump's special envoy for Ukraine.

"We hope that President Putin will show up, and then President Trump will be there. This could be an absolutely incredible meeting with him," Keith Kellogg told Fox Business.

The important diplomatic initiative, scheduled for Thursday, was agreed with Turkey as a mediator in what would be the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since early 2022.

Kellogg was optimistic about the potential progress if both leaders are present.

"President Trump, he has the art of the deal. He really knows how to make it happen. And if he shows up... Zelensky will be there, and if Putin shows up, I think we're a lot closer to a deal than many people think."

Kellogg revealed that negotiators had prepared a "list of conditions" outlining areas for discussion, with a ceasefire as the top priority.

"We'll be there and we'll see what happens," he said.

Kellogg and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff intend to participate in the talks, an unnamed White House official told CNN.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his participation, while Putin has offered talks without preconditions but has not confirmed his attendance.