Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday he will travel to Turkey for critical negotiations, marking a significant diplomatic step after more than four and a half years of war with Russia.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy indicated the Istanbul discussions are connected to the anticipated resumption next month of talks aimed at advancing a resolution to the conflict.
“Important negotiations will take place in Turkey. We are also working to ensure that all available diplomatic opportunities are pursued,” Zelenskyy stated.
“We expect that in November we will be able to move towards the formats that have been under discussion for such a long time.”
Fahrettin Altun, Communications Director for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, confirmed on X that Zelenskyy will meet with Erdoğan in Istanbul on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy expressed hope that a trilateral meeting involving peace negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States would convene in Abu Dhabi between November 6 and 10. He emphasized Kyiv’s desire for European involvement in any talks concerning the war’s conclusion.
Turkey has consistently positioned itself as a mediator to facilitate an end to the hostilities. Ukrainian and Russian officials have held several rounds of negotiations in the country since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
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