The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is set to attend a NATO meeting concerning the Ukraine-Russia issue.
The US State Department announced on Sunday (May 11) that Secretary of State Rubio will participate in the informal NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Turkey from May 14 to 16, to discuss resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The State Department also stated in the announcement, “At the NATO Summit scheduled for June in The Hague, the Secretary of State will advance President Trump’s agenda to ensure our allies make their fair contributions to make NATO stronger and more effective.”
There have been new developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on May 11 that he will meet with Russian President Putin next week in Turkey.
Earlier, in the early hours of Sunday New York time, Putin suggested through a televised speech that the two countries hold direct talks in Istanbul next Thursday (May 15). However, he did not clearly state whether he himself will attend.
Following this, Zelenskiy posted on the social media platform X, saying, “I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally waiting. Hope this time the Russians will not find excuses again.”
Previously, Zelenskiy had been cautious about Putin’s proposal. However, President Trump urged him to accept Putin’s suggestion.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Russian President Putin does not want to sign a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine but instead wants to meet in Turkey on Thursday to negotiate the possibility of ending this bloody war. Ukraine should agree immediately.”
He added, “At least this way they can assess the possibility of reaching an agreement. If not, European leaders and the US can also have a better understanding of the situation and take appropriate actions!”