Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday about potential peace talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelensky said Erdoğan expressed his support for Ukraine’s presence at any negotiations. He summarized his talk with the Turkish president in a post to his X account.
“I spoke with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” Zelensky said. “Our conversations are always friendly and substantive, and we feel and greatly value the sincere and warm attitude of Türkiye and the entire Turkish people toward our nation.”
“We discussed the current diplomatic situation and the options it presents at this moment,” Zelensky added. “President Erdoğan stated clearly that any negotiations without Ukraine will not bring sustainable peace. We equally understand all the risks and threats. An imitated rather than genuine peace will not hold for long and will only encourage Russia to seize even more territory.”
Erdoğan’s pledge to support Ukraine’s presence in peace negotiations comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in Alaska on Friday. Zelensky and other European allies have expressed concerns over Trump leaving Zelensky out of his meeting with Putin and worrying about Trump potentially offering land concessions by Ukraine to Russia. Erdoğan’s commitment to Zelensky, agreeing that “any negotiations without Ukraine will not bring sustainable peace,” shows strong support.
Zelensky emphasized his desire to end the war while also stating that Turkey volunteered to host a future summit in Turkey with Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.
“I noted that we are ready for any format of meeting aimed at stopping the killings and ending the war,” Zelensky said. “President Erdoğan confirmed his country’s readiness to organize a summit of the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and Türkiye.”
Zelensky also announced he had spoken to leaders of other countries on Tuesday, including Dick Schoof, the prime minister of the Netherlands, Nicusor Dan, the president of Romania, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar.
On Wednesday morning, Zelensky renewed his calls for countries to try to convince Russia to end the war.
RUSSIA BREAKS THROUGH MAIN UKRAINIAN DEFENSE LINE AHEAD OF ALASKA MEETING WITH TRUMP
“This war must be ended,” Zelensky posted. “Pressure must be exerted on Russia for the sake of a just peace. Ukraine’s and our partners’ experience must be used to prevent deception by Russia.”
“At present, there is no sign that the Russians are preparing to end the war,” he said. “Our coordinated efforts and joint actions – of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and all countries that seek peace – can definitely compel Russia to make peace. I thank everyone who is helping.”