The U.S. does not plan to send its delegation to Ukraine–Russia negotiations in Istanbul – media

The United States does not plan to send its delegation to the Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul on June 2.

This was reported by The Atlantic, citing sources.

The publication notes both the possibility of strengthened sanctions against Russia if there is no progress at the meeting, and the possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump withdrawing from the talks.

“The president is furious, but he also wants to make a deal. He’s trying to find the best path to achieve that, but believe him when he says he will walk away,” said one of Trump’s outside advisors.

At the same time, the White House is concerned about the global rise in gas prices if harsh measures are imposed on Russia, and that secondary sanctions could “anger” U.S. trading partners who buy Russian energy resources, including China and India.

Earlier, Acting U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.N. John Kelley said that the United States may stop attempts at peace negotiations if Russia continues the war.