Trump does not rule out visiting Istanbul if there is chance to end Ukraine conflict

DUBAI. May 14 (Interfax) - U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out visiting Istanbul in the coming days if he sees that Russia and Ukraine have a chance to settle the conflict at talks.

"That's a possibility if we could end the war. I'll be thinking about that," Trump told U.S. reporters onboard his aircraft, as he talked about his possible visit to Istanbul.

Trump said at the same time that he planned to visit the UAE on Thursday, when delegations from Russia and Ukraine were due to meet in Istanbul for talks. "We have a very full situation," Trump said.

"That does not mean I would not do it to save a lot of lives and come back," he said.

Trump said he did not know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was going to visit Istanbul. "I don't know if he is showing up. I know he would like me to be there," he said.

Trump confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be visiting Istanbul. "Marco is going and Marco has been very effective," he said.

Trump is visiting Arab countries of the Gulf.