Who could force Putin to attend talks in Türkiye: Expert names a key figure

The presence of U.S. President Donald Trump could compel Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to attend negotiations.

This assumption was made by Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert from the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism,” in an interview with TSN.ua.

“Since December 2021, the Russians have consistently said they won’t negotiate with Ukraine. Back then, they claimed Ukraine wasn’t just incapable of negotiating — it was entirely non-sovereign. They argued Ukraine couldn’t be considered an equal to Russia or a subject of international relations at all. Their goal at the time was to negotiate directly with the U.S., to restore a kind of Cold War-era parity, thereby affirming their own greatness. What they’re doing now is essentially the same,” Kraiev explained.

He also speculated on the possible outcome of the talks.

“Trump might, at the last minute, think, "Why not make the trip?" He’s that kind of person. So, I believe the most we can expect is technical-level talks. Even then, I have serious doubts they’ll actually happen,” the expert suggested.