Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly supports the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s initiative to hold a comprehensive meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United States of America
This announcement came ahead of time, adding new nuances to diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in eastern Ukraine and seeking paths to peace in the region. According to information received from diplomatic sources and confirmed by reputable media outlets, notably in "European Pravda" with reference to Interfax-Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized his conversation with the Turkish President, stating that the diplomatic resources for achieving peace must be used as effectively as possible. The Ukrainian president personally confirmed his support for the idea of a meeting between the four leaders, considering it an important step towards securing a ceasefire and finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Zelensky noted that during his talk with Erdoğan, he assured that he was positively inclined towards such a meeting and convinced that without a coordinated high-level encounter, a ceasefire would be unlikely. This confirmation became a significant piece of news in diplomatic circles, as the Ukrainian president highlighted that any stabilization of the situation in Donbas and Ukraine as a whole requires public support and appropriate diplomatic consolidation. Zelensky also expressed confidence that such a gathering of leaders, or at least a high-level meeting, could create the necessary momentum for a historic breakthrough in the diplomatic process. The Turkish side, in turn, is not hiding its hopes for organizing such a meeting. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated during a press conference on Monday that he aims to bring together the leaders of the USA, Ukraine, and Russia in Istanbul or Ankara to discuss possible pathways to resolve the conflict and to give new impetus to seeking peace. Erdoğan added that such a meeting is a strategic goal for Turkey, as the country seeks to play a mediating role in finding a compromise and assisting in stabilizing the situation. Earlier, even before the official confirmation of the initiative, there were reports in diplomatic circles about a potential conference under Ankara’s auspices. According to information voiced by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkey actively supports the idea of a leaders’ meeting involving key conflict parties. It’s also worth noting that a similar view was expressed in the past by another high-ranking Turkish diplomat, underlining Ankara’s systematic approach to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. In the context of this initiative, it is important to emphasize that all parties, despite having their own interests, are currently showing particular caution and diplomatic flexibility. The possibility of direct negotiations brings to mind diplomatic histories where lies and compromises often become the key to easing tensions and finding paths to peace. At the same time, the world is closely watching developments, as any failure to reach agreements or new diplomatic setbacks could lead to a worsening of the situation and further escalation of the conflict. The participants aim not only to organize a high-level leaders’ meeting but also to develop mechanisms for implementing it, ensuring long-term peace and security for all interested countries. Thus, the idea of negotiations in this expanded format is becoming increasingly feasible and envisions active involvement of the international community. This is a new diplomatic approach that, hopefully, can put an end to the long-standing crisis, restore stability and peace to Ukrainian territory, and improve security in the entire Eastern European region.