Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that Kyiv will determine its next steps in dialogue with Russia only after high-level discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Speaking upon his arrival in Ankara, Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the Ukrainian delegation present in Turkey, which includes top officials from the foreign ministry, presidential office, military, and intelligence services. Their presence, he said, reflects Ukraine’s readiness to make decisions that could contribute to what he called a “just and expected peace.”
“This is a delegation that is empowered to make meaningful decisions,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “We are here to take the necessary steps for peace, but only after our meeting with President Erdogan will we consider any movement forward in terms of talks with Russia.”
In contrast, Zelenskyy criticized the composition of the Russian delegation, dismissing it as “theatrical” and questioning its authority to negotiate seriously.
“We all know who makes decisions in Russia,” Zelenskyy said, in a veiled reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We must understand who we are talking to—what level of mandate they have and whether they are capable of taking decisions on their own.”
The visit to Ankara comes as Turkey continues its bid to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a key diplomatic player in the region. Ankara previously hosted ceasefire talks during the early months of the conflict, although those negotiations ultimately stalled.
President Erdogan has maintained relations with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict, supplying Ukraine with drones while simultaneously refusing to join Western sanctions against Russia. His government has repeatedly offered to host peace talks and has called for restraint from both sides.
While no official agenda has been released, the leaders are expected to discuss security, trade, and possible frameworks for a ceasefire or broader peace agreement. Ukrainian officials have said any resolution must include the withdrawal of Russian forces and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy’s remarks suggest that Kyiv remains cautious about engaging with Moscow unless credible commitments are made by Russia’s leadership. The outcome of his meeting with Erdogan could influence the tone and direction of any future discussions between the warring nations.
