Turkish, Ukrainian presidents meet behind closed doors to advance peace efforts UPDATED

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have commenced a high-level meeting in Ankara, amid heightened diplomatic efforts to advance peace negotiations in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The talks are being held behind closed doors at the Presidential Complex and are attended by key Turkish officials, including Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, Director of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalın, and Chief Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Following the one-on-one discussions between the two presidents, a working dinner involving both delegations is scheduled, where broader topics of mutual interest and regional security will be addressed.

The meeting is expected to comprehensively examine recent developments surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During the talks, President Erdogan is anticipated to reiterate Türkiye’s longstanding call for an immediate ceasefire and the swift initiation of peace negotiations.

Ankara continues to position itself as a key mediator in the conflict, offering a platform for dialogue and emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic solutions. 

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A high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commenced in Ankara, marking a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The leaders are engaging in discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties, with an emphasis on regional security and mutual cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, on May 15 for crucial discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ahead of the anticipated Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Upon arrival, Zelenskyy was greeted by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and officials in town for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in the Turkish city of Antalya.

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet with Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara later today. According to Türkiye’s Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun, the two presidents are expected to address the latest developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, discussing the situation from a range of perspectives.

Altun also stated that during the meeting, Erdogan will reaffirm Türkiye’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the commencement of peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has characterized his visit to Türkiye as a direct and unequivocal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking to a reporter ahead of his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the presidential complex in Ankara, Zelenskyy stated, “I am here,” when asked whether he had a message for the Russian leader. His remarks were reported by Sky News, saying his trip to Türkiye is a "very clear message" for president Putin who skipped Ukraine ceasefire talks. 

President Zelenskyy tells @alexrossiSKY his trip to Turkey is a 'very clear message' for president Putin

Live updates ➡️ https://t.co/NkCw5CKkft pic.twitter.com/Ov1EnyFL6w

— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 15, 2025

Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Ankara hosts preparations for renewed peace negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ukrainian president’s presence in Turkey stands in stark contrast to the absence of Putin, who declined to attend the upcoming talks despite calls from international leaders.

By Vafa Guliyeva