Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced his resolve to hold direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, vowing to do everything possible to hold them in Turkey – an offer made by Turkey as mediator – thereby opening the possibility for direct discussions between two world leaders.
Zelensky made these comments at a press briefing in Kyiv where he addressed both Ukrainian citizens and international participants. He stressed the necessity of communicating directly with Vladimir Putin to end an ongoing war that has devastated regions of Ukraine, displaced millions, and caused global economic disruptions.
“I am ready to speak directly with President Putin,” Zelensky stated. “To end this bloodshed, face-to-face dialogue is our only path forward; should Turkey provide us with such an opportunity, we are most grateful.”
Turkey, as a NATO member with close diplomatic ties to both Moscow and Kyiv, has long positioned itself as a potential peace broker. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held discussions with both leaders in recent months, encouraging a de-escalation and offering Istanbul or Ankara as neutral venues for negotiations.
Zelensky issued his invitation for talks as fighting in eastern Ukraine intensified and international pressure to find a diplomatic resolution increased. Although several rounds of lower-level discussions have occurred since the conflict first broke out, an in-person meeting between Zelensky and Poroshenko has yet to materialize.
“War is never an option; every delay in dialogue only leads to more casualties and destruction,” Zelensky noted. He stated that until there was an opportunity for diplomacy to end this conflict he will not rest until finding one existed.
The Kremlin has yet to provide an official response, though Russian officials have previously signaled a meeting could take place under certain conditions. They maintain, however, that Ukraine must recognize certain territorial realities before serious negotiations can commence.
International leaders have generally welcomed Turkey’s efforts, yet remain skeptical that their role will lead to meaningful progress. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated: “We support diplomatic efforts from all parties involved but actions must follow words; an end to hostilities must be prioritized as our top goal.”
Peace advocates have applauded Zelensky’s remarks as they see direct engagement as a crucial, yet complex, way forward for ending the conflict in Ukraine. Securing such dialogue could open a path toward justice, sovereignty and national healing for Ukraine.
As the war drags into its second year, hopes rest on whether diplomacy — supported by regional powers such as Turkey — can succeed where weapons have failed.