
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s not surprised that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a no-show for anticipated peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey this week. Trump had pressed for Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet in Istanbul this week. But on Thursday he brushed off Putin’s decision to not take part in the expected talks in Istanbul. Trump said, “I didn’t think it was possible for Putin to go if I’m not there.” The president’s comments came in an exchange with reporters as he took part in a business roundtable with executives in Doha, Qatar, on the third day of his visit to the Middle East.