Ukraine Talks: Ankara Eyes Role in Peace Mediation
Zelenskyy and Erdoğan discussed hosting trilateral negotiations in Istanbul while preparing for a US-led meeting in November.
By Harvey Wilson ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday that he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have explored the possibility of Türkiye joining peace negotiations to end the war with Russia. The two leaders spoke during Zelenskyy's visit to Istanbul on Saturday.
Zelenskyy told reporters in Istanbul that the leaders are preparing for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in the first half of November. He noted that the discussion included the potential participation of Türkiye, Europe, and other partners in these talks.
"We're currently preparing for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US and Russia in the first half of November," Zelenskyy said. He added that he and Erdoğan discussed the prospects for the meeting and other options, including the possibility of holding a session in Türkiye.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strong decisions to achieve peace. He said signals must be sent to Russia at all levels that there is no alternative to peace and that support for Ukraine will continue.
Erdoğan recently spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin in early October. They discussed Black Sea security among other topics. Erdoğan also told US President Donald Trump in a recent call that Türkiye is willing to help revive the diplomatic process between Ukraine and Russia.
Ankara has also moved to resume grain exports via the Black Sea. Erdoğan previously said he received a positive signal from Ukraine regarding this effort as diplomatic activities intensify.
