If Putin goes, Trump will also attend: Will a major meeting happen in Istanbul?

Tomorrow, Putin, Zelensky, and Trump might meet in Istanbul, and if this happens, the bloodshed in Ukraine could end. Zelensky's participation is certain; Trump also intends to go. What about Putin?

War of Statements

The meeting scheduled for May 15 in Turkey has attracted significant attention. A genuine war of statements erupted around this event. It all began with Vladimir Putin's announcement, expected late at night on May 10. Russian propaganda stated, "Putin's speech will explode prime-time in America." As is known, Putin loves to speak precisely when all of America is watching TV.

Thus, at midnight, foreign and local journalists waited in the Kremlin for Putin's address. It was assumed there would be a press conference, but Peskov clarified that no one could ask questions, and only Putin would speak. Eventually, Putin came out and proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Turkey.

Thus, Putin took the first step. Soon after, Donald Trump took to his phone and entered the fray via his Truth social network. He demanded that Ukraine accept Russia's offer of direct negotiations. The U.S. President openly pressured Kyiv for the first time since signing a strategic rare metals agreement. Then it was Zelensky's turn.

"I am waiting only for Putin"

The final word in this war of statements was given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In Russian terms, it was a real "bold full stop." "I am waiting for Putin in Istanbul on Thursday. Let's see what excuse Russia will come up with this time," said Zelensky. It was a very powerful statement. Zelensky openly challenged Putin to a one-on-one meeting.

The Ukrainian President later made several statements, applying pressure on Putin. "Putin is afraid to talk to me face-to-face," he specifically stated. Personally, I've only heard the words "you are afraid of me" addressed to Putin from Alexei Navalny. Let alone heads of state, even American presidents never dared to say this to Putin.

Trump will also go, if...

Trump participated again in the war of statements. He wrote a post stating that he was considering traveling to Istanbul. Later, Trump's Special Representative on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that if Russian President Putin goes to Istanbul, Trump will also fly there.

Now, the Russian president has no choice but to travel to Turkey and meet Zelensky one-on-one. If he does not come, it will be a huge negative for Putin. If Putin doesn't appear in Istanbul, Trump, together with the European Union, might impose those dreadful sanctions against Russia that he has previously threatened.

Let me point out, if the meeting between Putin, Trump, and Zelensky indeed takes place in Istanbul hosted by Erdogan, serious changes could occur in the world. What do you think? Will Putin go to Istanbul? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!