Zelensky describes the outcome of his meeting with Erdogan as “substantive and productive,” emphasizing the Ukrainian leadership’s efforts to stabilize the situation and seek new opportunities for restoring peace across the entire country
Ahead of his trip to Ankara, President Volodymyr Zelensky actively highlighted this meeting on social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), noting that the main topics discussed were security issues, stabilization, and further cooperation. According to the head of the Ukrainian state, during the meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a deep analysis of the situation in Ukraine and the region as a whole was conducted. Zelensky emphasized that the countries are jointly focused on finding ways to bring peace closer, strengthen security, and create conditions for the recovery of affected regions. He noted that the mutual understanding reached will serve as a foundation for further close coordination with Ankara and contribute to intensifying diplomatic efforts on the international stage. The President of Ukraine also stated that key issues related to cooperation within the "Coalition of the Resolute," driven by the desire to ensure long-term security, as well as guarantees for Ukraine, were discussed during the conversation with Erdogan. Particular attention was paid to monitoring the ceasefire, maritime demining, and the process of restoring destroyed infrastructure. Additionally, the strategy for further reconstruction of the country and the development of bilateral partnership relations—especially in the fields of economy, security, and humanitarian aid—were discussed. Zelensky highlighted that most of the main areas of Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation already have joint visions and agreements, which is an important step toward implementing concrete projects and initiatives. This will enable economic growth, infrastructure recovery, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capabilities in collaboration with Turkey. It is reported that the Ukrainian government expressed its gratitude to the Turkish side for support and for their willingness to activate cooperation across all crisis areas. The head of state assured that Ukraine will continue to work openly and persistently to find diplomatic solutions and consolidate international support on security and stabilization issues. Overall, the meeting took place amid the tense international situation in the region, with the main expectation being the establishment of deeper and long-term relations with Turkey across all areas—from politics and security to humanitarian aid. At the same time, it is important to note that this visit occurred in the context of expectations of presence from high-ranking officials from Russia, including the possibility of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian leader would currently refrain from participating in such negotiations in the Turkish capital. In contrast, Moscow delegated a minimal delegation—sending a team led by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky to Istanbul—indicating either a shift in diplomatic approaches toward Ukraine or a willingness to engage in less formal negotiations. Despite this, the Ukrainian side decided to continue diplomatic dialogue and sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul to participate in planned negotiations. The active diplomatic engagement of the Ukrainian delegation underscores Kyiv’s desire to seek diplomatic avenues to resolve the conflict, restore peace in the region, and strengthen international support during this challenging period for the country.