Turkey and Europe could be involved in Ukraine-U.S.-Russia talks, Zelenskyy says
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed preparations for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia that is planned for the first half of November, the Ukrainian leader said at a news conference in Istanbul on Oct. 31.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul on Oct. 31 to discuss plans for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. The Ukrainian leader stated that preparations for this format are underway in the first half of November. During their conversation, Zelenskyy and Erdogan explored the prospects of including Turkey and Europe in the talks, as well as the possibility of holding a meeting within Turkey itself.
Zelenskyy emphasized that any actions taken by Moscow must demonstrate a commitment to peace and that international support for Ukraine would persist.
Additionally, Zelenskyy thanked Erdogan for his support, highlighting a recent humanitarian operation carried out in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast. The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude towards Erdogan for his words of encouragement, suggesting that de-escalation efforts are attainable if Russia is pressured to take the necessary steps.
On Oct. 31, Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul to engage in discussions with Erdogan. Previously, on Oct. 28, Erdogan had informed U.S. President Donald Trump via phone call that Turkey was prepared to collaborate in reviving diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and Russia to conclude the ongoing war. Furthermore, Erdogan had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 7, discussing the circumstances in the Black Sea.
On Oct. 28, Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, revealed that consultations among Ukraine, the United States, and Russia for the trilateral talks would occur after Nov. 4, contingent upon the battlefield situation and the broader context. Prior to this, Zelenskyy had indicated that the meeting might take place on Nov. 10. Ukraine aims for these trilateral talks to take place prior to a potential gathering of the United States, China, and Russia at the APEC summit in Shenzhen.
Zelenskyy also expressed a desire for Europe to be represented at talks held in Abu Dhabi, although he would not interfere if the United States insisted on a trilateral format.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
