Former US President Donald Trump has declared that progress on peace talks concerning the Russia-Ukraine war will stall unless he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in person. “Nothing’s going to happen” with the negotiations, Trump told reporters, insisting that a face-to-face with Putin is key to breaking the deadlock.
Trump’s comments come amid renewed diplomatic tensions, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Russia for failing to engage seriously in the proposed peace talks in Turkey. Zelensky accused Putin of sending “stand-in props” instead of attending in person, further dimming hopes for constructive dialogue.
In response, Russia’s foreign ministry issued a sharp rebuke, labelling Zelensky a “clown and a loser” in a statement carried by Russian media.
Despite the presence of Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey, officials in Ankara said that “no meeting is scheduled” at this time, casting further doubt on the immediate prospects for peace.
Chioma Kalu
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