Rubio: Ukraine talks won’t progress without Trump and Putin

U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expresses skepticism about a breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, stating that only direct negotiations between President Trump and President Putin might lead to progress. Rubio acknowledges the limited expectations, highlighting the lack of high-level representation from the Russian side. He insists that a breakthrough is unlikely until Trump meets directly with Putin to understand his intentions. The anticipated direct peace negotiations, set to be the first in over three years, face uncertainty regarding their timing. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyj has urged Putin to meet in Istanbul. Rubio plans to meet with the Ukrainian delegation and his Turkish counterpart, emphasizing ongoing efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations.