Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Ankara on Thursday for critical discussions with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signaling a renewed push to restart peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting marks Türkiye's latest bid to position itself as a mediator amid escalating interest from global powers to resolve the protracted conflict.
The visit follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent call to revive peace talks, initially proposed to take place in Istanbul. Zelenskyy has expressed cautious openness to direct negotiations but insists that his willingness hinges on Putin's participation. "I am waiting to see who will come from Russia," Zelenskyy stated ahead of the talks, adding that current signals from Moscow "are unconvincing."
However, hopes for a breakthrough dimmed slightly after the Kremlin confirmed Putin would not attend the Istanbul talks scheduled for Thursday. Instead, Russia will be represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who previously led negotiations in 2022. Analysts suggest this reflects ongoing tensions over preconditions for dialogue, including territorial disputes.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan struck an optimistic tone during remarks at a NATO meeting in Antalya, asserting, "The talks in Istanbul will hopefully open a new page." Türkiye has played a unique role in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic ties with both sides while supplying drones to Ukraine.
This week's developments evoke memories of the March 2022 Istanbul negotiations, which collapsed after failing to secure a ceasefire. Observers note that rising global economic pressures—particularly in energy and food security—are amplifying urgency for a resolution, though political fault lines remain entrenched.
International markets are closely monitoring the talks, as any progress could ease uncertainties affecting commodity prices and trade routes linking Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Ukrainian diaspora communities and academic circles continue advocating for transparent, sustainable solutions to the crisis.
