Post by : Rameen Ariff

Ankara, Turkey – November 19, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, an essential move aimed at enhancing peace negotiations in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to ending the war “with all our might” and highlighted the importance of resuming prisoner exchanges.

This meeting, held in the capital of Turkey, comes in response to increasing Russian assaults on Ukraine, including developments towards the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Zelensky's diplomatic efforts coincide with a broader European tour designed to garner political, military, and financial backing for Kyiv. Recently, he was in Athens to finalize a gas agreement, in Paris to discuss acquiring up to 100 fighter jets, and in Madrid to consult with Spanish arms manufacturers.

Turkey has managed to maintain relations with both Kyiv and Moscow and has previously facilitated peace talks. However, no representatives from Russia were anticipated at Wednesday's meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that although Russian President Vladimir Putin is “open to a conversation,” no definite plans were in place for meetings with either Turkey or US special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Zelensky's visit takes place amid challenges within Ukraine's domestic landscape, where investigations into corrupt practices involve some of his closest aides, along with recent resignations of two ministers. These developments may affect Kyiv's standing before the EU, which is expected to make a decision in December regarding the release of a €140 billion loan sourced from frozen Russian state assets. EU leaders have emphasized the necessity for Zelensky to adopt stronger anti-corruption strategies.

The discussions in Ankara also highlight the stalemate in negotiations with Russia. Moscow continues to impose conditions that Ukraine finds unacceptable, including a full withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as well as the renunciation of NATO aspirations. Zelensky has firmly rejected these demands, asserting that conceding the Donbas would increase Ukraine's vulnerability to future aggression.

Prior US mediation efforts for peace have faltered, including encounters involving Trump, Putin, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Recent undisclosed discussions between Witkoff and Putin's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, in Washington suggest ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomacy, yet a breakthrough remains elusive.

As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches in February 2026, global observers are keenly following Zelensky's diplomatic activities. The meeting with Erdogan in Ankara is viewed as a pivotal moment to galvanize European support, strengthen Ukraine's negotiation stance, and explore avenues for ending the conflict while minimizing further human and infrastructural harm.

Ukraine is under significant pressure both internationally and domestically, and Wednesday's engagements with Turkey may play a crucial role in shaping future conflict resolution efforts.

#Global