On May 17, 2025, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News that resolving the conflict in Ukraine was impossible without his personal involvement due to the "enormous hatred" between Moscow and Kiev. He expressed confidence in the need to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that their "good relationship" could facilitate a deal.

"I felt that the meetings in Istanbul without me could not happen. I don't think there will be a deal without me. We have to meet, and most likely we will plan it," "Trump said, adding that his special envoy Steve Witkoff had done an "amazing job" but that only he could resolve the crisis.

The president also repeated his threat to impose "devastating" sanctions on Russia if the talks fail to produce an agreement.

Trump's statement came after the collapse of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16, where, according to Bloomberg, Moscow demanded neutrality for Ukraine, no reparations, and recognition of Crimea and four regions as Russian. These conditions were rejected by Kiev as an "ultimatum." The only outcome of the meeting was an agreement on a prisoner exchange according to the "1000 for 1000" formula, initiated by Turkey, as reported by CNN.