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Key Points

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to strategize ahead of high-stakes peace talks in Istanbul. The discussions aim to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both nations preparing top-level delegations. Russia's proposal for direct negotiations brought renewed hope, but President Putin's attendance remains uncertain. Erdogan plays a critical mediator role, leveraging Turkey's relations with both Kyiv and Moscow to create a platform for dialogue.

Key Points: Zelensky and Erdogan Meet as Peace Talks Loom in Istanbul

  • Zelensky meets Erdogan in Ankara before Istanbul talks
  • Ukraine and Russia prepare high-level delegations
  • Erdogan seeks to mediate peace as relations with Kyiv and Moscow develop
2 min read

Ukraine, Russia prepare for peace talks in Istanbul as Zelensky meets Erdogan in Ankara

Zelensky and Erdogan discuss comprehensive talks as Ukraine and Russia prepare for Istanbul negotiations.

"We have a top-level delegation - Volodymyr Zelensky"

Istanbul, May 16

Ukrainian and Russian delegations were expected to meet for peace talks, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepared for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

Upon arriving in Ankara on Thursday, Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine's delegation included top-level representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, military, and intelligence agencies, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We have a top-level delegation," he said, although he noted that the composition of the Russian delegation had not yet been officially communicated.

Zelensky also emphasised that decisions on the next steps in the negotiation process would be made after his discussions with Erdogan.

"We need to understand what level of the Russian delegation (we're dealing with) and what mandate they have," he said.

The talks followed a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

Zelensky confirmed his participation and expressed hope of meeting with Putin, but the Russian leader has yet to show up.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking in Doha, Qatar on Thursday, said he might attend the talks in Istanbul on Friday.

"If something (a development) happens and it's appropriate, I might go on Friday," he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Antalya for a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting, said Trump supports any initiative that could bring about a just peace.

"There is no military solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict," Rubio said.

"We want to see progress made in the coming days."

Earlier on Thursday, Zelensky and Erdogan held a nearly three-hour closed-door meeting in the Turkish capital, ahead of the planned peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.

Zelensky previously met Erdogan in Ankara in February, during which the two leaders reportedly discussed Turkey's potential participation in a peacekeeping force after a ceasefire.

Erdogan has maintained close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow during the full-scale war, positioning Turkey as a mediator in the war.

In 2022, Istanbul hosted the unsuccessful -- and so far, the only -- direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since the full-scale invasion.

Turkey also helped to broker a Black Sea grain deal that allowed safe maritime shipment until Russia pulled out of the agreement in 2023.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Turkey is playing a smart diplomatic game here. As Indians, we know how important neutral mediators can be in conflicts. Hope these talks bring some relief to Ukrainian civilians suffering from war. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see how this develops. India has maintained balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine - our foreign policy of strategic autonomy makes sense when we see complex situations like this.
A
Arjun S.
The US suddenly showing interest when talks are happening in Turkey? Seems like they don't want to be left out of any potential deal. India should observe carefully - we have our own interests in maintaining good relations with all parties.
S
Sunita R.
Hope they find a peaceful solution soon. War anywhere affects global economy and we're still recovering from pandemic impacts. The grain deal was important - hope they can revive something similar for food security.
V
Vikram J.
Zelensky is showing real statesmanship by continuing to pursue talks despite everything. Reminds me of how Indian leaders handled difficult negotiations during conflicts. Hope Putin shows up this time - no peace can happen without direct talks.
N
Neha P.
While I support peace efforts, I'm skeptical about outcomes. Russia hasn't shown good faith in previous agreements. India should continue its balanced approach - we have important defense and energy ties with Russia that we can't ignore.

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