The Kremlin said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was serious about trying to find peace at talks he has proposed in Turkey but his spokesman said he could say no more about the talks after Ukraine demanded the Kremlin chief attend.

The president said he's optimistic about Thursday's expected talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul.

President Trump is considering making a pit stop in Turkey on Thursday to attend scheduled Ukraine-Russia peace talks during his tour of the Middle East. “I think you’re going to have maybe a good meeting.