### Trump Says Progress in Ukraine Hinges on Meeting with Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump has highlighted the significance of a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as essential for any progress towards peace in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to the United Arab Emirates, Trump commented on the stalled discussions between Moscow and Kyiv, which were expected to take place in Turkey.

"Look, nothing is gonna happen until Putin and I get together," Trump stated. He expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the ongoing talks in Turkey, noting Putin's absence and emphasizing the necessity of their engagement to resolve the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had come to Turkey prepared for substantive negotiations, but the talks were undermined by Putin's decision to send a lower-ranking delegation instead of attending in person. This move frustrated the Ukrainian side and cast doubt on the potential for meaningful dialogue. Zelenskyy was accompanied by key officials, including his top aide and ministers of foreign affairs and defense, aiming to underscore Russia as the principal barrier to peace and to maintain U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Zelenskyy's efforts, arguing that any ceasefire would only serve as a period for Ukraine to rearm. He reiterated Russia's long-standing demands, including Ukrainian disarmament, abandonment of NATO aspirations, and restoration of the Russian language and culture's dominance within Ukrainian society.

A Ukrainian diplomat, speaking anonymously, criticized the Russian delegation, referring to them as insignificant and indicating that true decision-making lies solely with Putin. The diplomat expressed doubts about the process, labeling it potentially another "Russian charade," yet remained open to sending a representative to assess the situation further.

After discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would head a delegation to talks in Istanbul with both Russian and American representatives. Zelenskyy himself will not attend the talks, opting instead to go to the European Political Community summit in Tirana with Erdoğan.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine's position on occupied territories, stating, "We will not recognize all occupied territories as Russian." He called for increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions from Europe and the United States.

If the negotiations proceed, these would be the first official discussions between Ukraine and Russia since a meeting in Istanbul back in March 2022, which was derailed by the revelation of atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha, near Kyiv.

Ahead of the planned talks, the Russian military continued its offensive against Ukraine, launching 145 drone attacks and causing multiple injuries. Russia appears poised to advance, with continued focus on the eastern industrial region of Dnipro.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, underscored that negotiations often run parallel to military actions, expressing a realistic outlook on the anticipated talks. "Talks do not mean a solution," he concluded, emphasizing the ongoing threat to Ukraine's sovereignty.