Trump Pushes for Direct Putin-Zelenskyy Talks at Ankara Summit

Trump characterized the potential summit as the necessary catalyst for ending hostilities, noting that the pressure on the Kremlin to resolve the ongoing crisis has reached a critical threshold. According to the U.S. president, Putin is increasingly dissatisfied with the current trajectory of the conflict, making him more receptive to a negotiated settlement.

Following private discussions with Zelenskyy, Trump expressed confidence in the outcome, stating, 'I just think they're going to make a deal.' He emphasized that the primary stakeholders are well-versed in the outstanding issues and that the window for a resolution is narrowing. The administration’s focus remains on establishing a framework that ensures a stable, post-conflict future for Ukraine, with Trump positioning himself as the primary broker for the meeting.