Erdogan says Trump open to Ukraine peace talks in Turkey if Putin joins

According to Reuters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to attend potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey — on the condition that Russian leader Vladimir Putin also takes part.

Speaking to reporters during his return flight from the NATO summit, where he met Trump for the first time since his return to office, Erdogan said he emphasized Turkey’s goal of hosting peace negotiations between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to a statement from Erdogan’s office on Thursday, Trump responded by saying, "If Russian President Vladimir Putin comes to Istanbul or Ankara for a solution, then I will also come."

Erdogan added, "We will hold the necessary contacts and God willing realise this meeting as soon as possible."

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns more sanctions could close the door on ceasefire talks with Russia, as Trump seeks flexibility in diplomacy.