Trump Downplays Putin’s Absence from Istanbul Peace Talks

DOHA, Qatar — U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was not surprised by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to skip the planned Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul.

“I didn’t think Putin could go if I’m not there,” Trump told reporters during a business roundtable in Doha, the third stop on his Middle East tour.

Putin Declines Zelenskyy’s Challenge

The talks, expected to bring Russian and Ukrainian leaders face-to-face, were thrown into uncertainty after the Kremlin announced Putin would not attend. Instead, aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, insists he will only meet Putin directly. “Zelenskyy is ready, but the Kremlin blinked,” said Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.

Trump Sends Envoys to Istanbul

Trump previously suggested he might attend the talks himself. But on Thursday, he confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will represent the U.S. in Istanbul.

“Rubio’s already there. Witkoff will be there tomorrow. We’re fully engaged,” Trump said.

A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy

Speaking to U.S. troops at al-Udeid Air Base, Trump reiterated his position against U.S. military intervention.

“My priority is to end conflicts, not start them,” he said. “But I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States or our partners.”

Praising the Gulf, Warning Iran

Trump praised Gulf nations for their economic growth and said he’s urging Qatar to use its influence to push Iran toward a nuclear deal.

“Iran has sort of agreed to the terms,” Trump said. “We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran.”

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria

Earlier in the week, Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and agreed to ease U.S. sanctions. Al-Sharaa, once tied to al-Qaida and previously imprisoned by U.S. forces, received strong praise from Trump.

“He’s a young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Very strong past. Fighter,” Trump said.

Trump said pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman influenced his decision.

“President Erdogan called me and said, ‘If you don’t do that, they don’t have a chance.’ So, I did it,” Trump said.