Zelensky says he's ready to meet Putin in Turkey
A meeting between the leaders is essential, said Zelensky, adding that Turkey can be a practical and realistic mediator of future talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed openness to a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Turkey to address peace negotiations, according to a CNN Turk interview released on November 1. Zelensky emphasized that Turkey could serve as a practical and realistic mediator for future discussions between Moscow and Kyiv. These remarks precede anticipated technical-level talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi later this November.
Ukraine's goal is to utilize these discussions as a stepping stone towards a future leaders' summit, potentially involving U.S. President Donald Trump, which is deemed essential for resolving territorial disputes. The Russian government has consistently shunned a face-to-face encounter between Zelensky and Putin, preferring phone conversations instead, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
Zelensky met with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on October 31 to discuss bilateral ties and security concerns in the Black Sea region. Turkey has navigated its relations with both Kyiv and Moscow skillfully, sustaining economic connections with Russia while supplying Ukraine with weaponry. Ankara was instrumental in establishing the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022, which facilitated the safe maritime transportation of grain until Moscow withdrew from the agreement a year later.
Turkey has also hosted three rounds of peace negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian teams in 2025. Zelensky's comments come as Washington endeavors to reinvigorate peace talks, which have stalemated this year due to Russia's insistence on Ukraine ceding Donbas, a strategically vital and partially occupied region in eastern Ukraine.
In the interview, Zelensky outlined that the upcoming technical talks would center on the potential for a partial energy and maritime cease-fire, along with prisoner exchanges. The leaders' summit would then explore pathways to a comprehensive cease-fire and security assurances, he added. Zelensky dismissed the idea of officially acknowledging occupied territories as part of Russia and advocated for a cease-fire along the present front lines as the initial step towards further negotiations.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
