Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to travel to Turkey's capital, Ankara, for a crucial meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During this visit, he will also be available for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, scheduled for Thursday. In a hastily organized briefing in Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized, “We will do everything to ensure that this meeting takes place.”
As of now, Russia has not disclosed who will represent them in Istanbul, but an announcement will be made when Putin considers it necessary. Notably, this marks the first time that Putin and Zelensky will meet since December 2019. The last direct talks occurred in Istanbul back in March 2022, during the initial phases of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Initially, Putin called for direct talks in Turkey's largest city without pre-conditions. However, Zelensky responded positively, expressing his willingness to meet in person and expecting Putin to attend as well. The involvement of the United States is also anticipated, with a high-level delegation expected to be present.
By confirming his visit to Turkey during Tuesday's briefing, Zelensky aimed to intensify pressure on Russia to engage in dialogue. The Kremlin has previously warned that attempting to pressure Moscow is futile, asserting that they do not respond to ultimatums. Instead, Russia is focusing on a long-term resolution that addresses what they perceive as the fundamental issues leading to the conflict—conditions set before the 2022 invasion that Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Zelensky indicated that while he is prepared to meet with Putin in Istanbul, his primary goal is to secure a 30-day ceasefire. He stated that this initiative has the support of all of Ukraine's allies, including the US. Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding Putin's recent late-night offer for direct talks in Turkey, suggesting it was designed to catch Kyiv off guard.
As tensions rise, US President Donald Trump, currently visiting the Gulf, hinted that he might travel to Istanbul if he believes significant progress can be made. However, this possibility seems unlikely at this stage. Unconfirmed reports suggest that two senior US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, are planning to be present in Istanbul on the same day.
The Kremlin has attempted to quell speculation about Putin's personal attendance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “Russia continues preparations for the negotiations due on Thursday,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov indicated that Moscow is ready to engage in talks responsibly, considering the realities on the ground, particularly in the four southeastern regions partially seized by Russia since 2022.
Ryabkov reiterated Moscow's pre-invasion demands for a settlement, which Ukraine and its Western allies view as an ultimatum that could lead to Kyiv's de facto capitulation. He also expressed doubts about Ukraine's ability to adhere to any agreements reached.
In light of these developments, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that it would be beneficial for Zelensky and Putin to engage in dialogue, although she expressed skepticism about Putin's willingness to do so. Zelensky has accused Putin of fearing a face-to-face meeting. Additionally, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that if the Russian leader declines to travel to Istanbul, it would signal his lack of interest in ending the war.
Meanwhile, leaders from Ukraine's key allies—including the UK, Germany, Poland, and France—visited Kyiv over the weekend to warn of immediate additional sanctions should Russia reject the proposed 30-day ceasefire. The European Union is currently formulating a 17th package of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia to comply with international expectations.
