Trump downplays Putin’s decision to skip Istanbul talks with Zelenskyy

Donald Trump had pressed for Vladimir Putin and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet in Istanbul on Thursday, but he brushed off Mr Putin’s decision not to take part in the expected talks.

The US president is on the third day of his visit to the Middle East (Alex Brandon/AP)

US president Donald Trump said he was not surprised Russian president Vladimir Putin will be a no-show for anticipated peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey this week.

Mr Trump had pressed for Mr Putin and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet in Istanbul on Thursday, but he brushed off Mr Putin’s decision not to take part in the expected talks.