The White House has confirmed that U.S President Donald Trump is open to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey, as efforts to reach a ceasefire continue.

While delegations from both sides made no breakthrough their last talks, held in Istanbul, they did agree on a large-scale prisoner exchange.

Turkish President Recap Tayyip Erdrogan has proposed a third round of high-level talks later this month either Istanbul or Ankara, involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky Putin has so far declined the invitation, while Zelensky has expressed readiness, stating that crucial issues can only be resolved at the leaders’ level.

“Trump is open to it ” If it comes to that”, said White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt, adding that the President wants both leaders to engage directly.

But despite Trump willingness to meet with Putin, and Zelensky, no US representative took part in Monday’s talks in Istanbul, according to State Department spokesperson.

Zelensky said “We are very much awaiting strong steps from the United States” and urged Donald Trump to toughen sanction on Russia to “push” it to agree to a full ceasefire.