Yasin Gungor
13 May 2025•Update: 14 May 2025
ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump will attend the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul, but only if Russian President Vladimir Putin confirms his participation, Trump's special envoy to Ukraine said Tuesday.
"We're hoping President Putin shows up as well, and then President Trump will be there. This could be an absolute incredible meeting with him," Kellogg told Fox Business.
The high-stakes diplomatic initiative, scheduled for Thursday, has been arranged with Türkiye as a facilitator in what would be the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since early 2022.
Kellogg was optimistic about potential breakthroughs if both leaders attend. "President Trump, he has the art of the deal. He really knows how to make it work. And if he shows up ... Zelenskyy will be there, and if Putin shows up, I think we're a lot closer to a deal than many people think."
The envoy revealed negotiators have prepared a "term sheet" outlining discussion areas, with a ceasefire as the top priority. "We'll be there and we'll see what happens," he said.
Kellogg and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff intend to take part in the talks, an unnamed White House official told CNN.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed his participation, while Putin has offered talks without preconditions but has not confirmed his attendance.
Trump previously described the talks as "a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine" and expressed interest in attending, though his current Gulf tour schedule may prevent him from taking part in the meeting.
