'Nothing will happen': Trump named a key condition for progress with the ceasefire in Ukraine.

Trump stated that progress in peace talks with Ukraine will not happen without a meeting with Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump believes that achieving progress in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine will be impossible until he meets personally with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump made this statement to reporters aboard Air Force One before landing in Dubai during his Middle Eastern tour.

The president emphasized that he is not disappointed with the level of the Russian delegation in Istanbul, noting that he knows nothing about the delegation and has not even checked this information. Trump also explained Putin’s absence from the negotiations, indicating that it is obvious that the Russian president did not plan to come to Istanbul.

Ukraine can send a 'proper level' delegation to Istanbul, but wants to ensure first that the Russian representatives have the authority to make decisions.

In turn, the U.S. authorities offered Russia the resumption of the Russia-NATO Council in exchange for a 30-day ceasefire and a freeze on hostilities along the front line. It is reported that possible concessions also include recognizing Crimea as Russian and easing sanctions against Russia.

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed disappointment over the level of the Russian delegation sent to negotiations in Istanbul, while Ukraine expressed its willingness for direct negotiations following the announcement of a ceasefire.

Ukraine actively participated in the talks in Istanbul to ensure peace on its territory. The desire to find a diplomatic way to resolve the conflict is an important step towards stability in the region.