Zelenskyy and Erdogan discuss prospects for Ukraine-Russia peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss potential future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

According to Zelenskyy, the two leaders talked through key details of a possible meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Turkey. He thanked Erdogan for his ongoing support and readiness to facilitate diplomacy at the highest level.

"The need for a ceasefire is critical right now," Zelenskyy said. "It is also essential that our partners ensure proper monitoring of any ceasefire agreement."

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s openness to direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the importance of joint international efforts to secure long-term security in Europe. "President Erdogan and I agreed to continue our joint efforts to achieve peace, and we will remain in constant contact with the United States."

President Erdogan expressed his support for ending the war and underscored Türkiye’s unique role as a trusted mediator. "At this point, Russia, Ukraine, the US, and Europe are all aligned on holding talks," he noted, adding that Turkey remains the only country trusted by all sides.

"We have declared our willingness to contribute to these talks and are happy to host them," Erdogan said. "Thanks to recent contacts, a new window of opportunity has opened. We hope it won’t be missed this time."

Zelenskyy later echoed this message in his daily video address posted on X, stating: "Ukraine has always supported diplomacy. I am ready to come to Turkey. Unfortunately, the world still has not received a clear response from Russia to the numerous proposals for a ceasefire.

"Russian shelling and assaults continue. Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the proposal for a direct meeting. A very strange silence. One way or another, Russia will have to end this war — and the sooner, the better. There is no sense in continuing the killing.

"President Erdogan has expressed full readiness to host the meeting. It is important that President Trump fully supports the meeting, and we would like him to find an opportunity to come to Turkey."