Zelensky Meets US Envoy in Turkey to Push Ukraine Peace Talks

Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday in a bid to accelerate ongoing peace negotiations and strengthen efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the war with Russia. The talks, which will also involve Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are part of Zelensky’s broader diplomatic tour across Europe, aimed at consolidating international support for Ukraine amid intensifying Russian attacks on its territory.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said that “bringing the end of the war closer with all our might is Ukraine’s top priority.” He added that discussions would also focus on resuming prisoner exchanges, a topic that has been central to humanitarian efforts since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Turkey has played a pivotal role in the diplomatic process, maintaining relationships with both Kyiv and Moscow while hosting negotiations between the two sides. In Ankara, officials are expected to discuss strategies to strengthen diplomatic channels and explore potential frameworks for peace. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no Russian representatives will attend the meeting, and while President Vladimir Putin remains open to dialogue, there are currently “no concrete plans” for him to speak to either Turkey or the US envoy.

Zelensky’s visit to Turkey comes after a series of high-profile diplomatic trips across Europe. In Athens, he secured a strategic gas supply deal to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience during winter months. In Paris, he signed an agreement to obtain up to 100 French-made fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. In Madrid, discussions centred on co-operation with Spanish arms manufacturers, highlighting the importance of industrial and military collaboration to sustain Ukraine’s long-term defence efforts.

The diplomatic tour underlines Ukraine’s urgent need to shore up international backing as Moscow intensifies its military operations, particularly near the key eastern city of Pokrovsk. Russian forces have reportedly advanced on several fronts in the Donbas region, raising concerns over the safety of civilian populations and critical infrastructure.

Domestically, Zelensky faces one of the most serious political crises of his presidency. Investigations into corruption have implicated several members of his inner circle in orchestrating a large-scale criminal scheme, and two ministers have resigned, further destabilising the government. European Union leaders have warned that Kyiv must demonstrate significant progress on tackling corruption before EU institutions will consider unblocking a €140 billion (£121 billion) loan for Ukraine, drawn from frozen Russian state assets. These internal political pressures add complexity to Zelensky’s diplomatic mission, as any perceived weakness at home could weaken his negotiating position abroad.

The ongoing conflict continues to revolve around fundamentally opposed positions regarding the territorial and political status of key Ukrainian regions. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have reiterated longstanding conditions for peace. Moscow has demanded that Kyiv renounce any ambitions to join NATO and cede control of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions—territories occupied by Russian forces during the ongoing conflict. Zelensky, however, has consistently argued that withdrawal from the Donbas would leave the rest of Ukraine vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression, framing the territorial integrity of these regions as non-negotiable.

The question of Crimea remains another unresolved point in peace negotiations. Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014, a move widely condemned by the international community and never recognised by Kyiv or its allies. Witkoff, in discussions earlier this year, suggested that any peace agreement would likely hinge on the status of Crimea and other contested areas, a stance that Zelensky has criticised for echoing Russian narratives rather than prioritising Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Since early September, Zelensky and Witkoff have not met in person, though American diplomatic efforts have continued behind the scenes. Last summer saw a series of high-level engagements, including meetings involving former US President Donald Trump and President Putin, aimed at brokering a ceasefire. A planned summit in Budapest, which could have advanced dialogue, was cancelled after Washington reportedly concluded that Russia was unwilling to compromise on several unacceptable demands. Nonetheless, communication channels remain active, with Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev meeting Witkoff in Washington in late October, shortly after the US imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.

Analysts note that the current diplomatic context is highly sensitive, with multiple actors balancing domestic political concerns with broader strategic objectives. Ukraine seeks to secure military and economic support from European nations while navigating internal political instability, whereas the US continues to calibrate its involvement to ensure pressure on Moscow without escalating tensions unnecessarily. Turkey’s role as a neutral mediator has gained increasing significance, providing a venue for negotiations that might otherwise be impossible due to the absence of direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelensky’s visit also comes as Russia’s military operations in eastern Ukraine escalate, creating urgent humanitarian and security concerns. Cities such as Pokrovsk face frequent artillery bombardments, putting civilians at risk and disrupting essential services. Reports indicate that supply chains for food, medicine, and critical infrastructure have been repeatedly targeted, exacerbating the civilian toll and creating further urgency for peace talks. The humanitarian dimension of the conflict has drawn international attention, with relief organisations calling for expanded corridors for aid delivery and civilian evacuation.

In addition to military and humanitarian considerations, energy security remains a key focus for Ukraine and its allies. Winter months bring increased demand for heating and electricity, and Zelensky’s agreements in Athens and Madrid underscore the strategic importance of diversifying energy sources and strengthening supply lines. European governments have also emphasised the need for coordinated support to ensure that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure can withstand potential Russian sabotage or continued military escalation.

The forthcoming Ankara talks are therefore expected to cover a broad agenda, including military cooperation, prisoner exchanges, energy security, and broader regional stability. While Russia’s absence may limit immediate breakthroughs, diplomatic observers suggest that the meeting provides an opportunity to refine strategies, build trust between allies, and reinforce Ukraine’s position in future negotiations. Zelensky has framed the engagement as a way to “intensify” peace efforts, signalling both urgency and commitment to a negotiated resolution, even in the face of ongoing hostilities.

As Ukraine approaches the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the geopolitical stakes remain extraordinarily high. Moscow and Kyiv continue to hold fundamentally opposed visions for the conflict’s resolution, and the international community remains concerned about the long-term stability of Eastern Europe. With both military and political pressures converging, Zelensky’s diplomatic tour represents a crucial effort to consolidate international support, maintain the morale of the Ukrainian population, and explore avenues for a sustainable peace.

In conclusion, Zelensky’s meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Ankara reflects the complex interplay of military urgency, domestic political challenges, and international diplomacy. While Russia’s absence limits the immediate prospects for direct negotiation, the talks are an important step in reinforcing alliances, securing support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and intensifying efforts toward a lasting resolution. For the Ukrainian leadership, the dual challenge of defending the nation on the battlefield while navigating domestic and international political pressures will continue to shape the course of diplomacy in the coming months.