Zelensky Boosts Peace Efforts with Trump Envoy in Turkey

Tue Nov 18 2025 20:51:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Turkish President Erdogan to accelerate peace negotiations, amidst growing tensions in Ukraine and political challenges at home.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to enhance peace talks, aiming to end the war and resume prisoner exchanges. Despite efforts, the Kremlin confirms no Russian representatives will attend. Zelensky's trip to Turkey follows visits to Athens, Paris, and Madrid in pursuit of European support, while he faces domestic political turmoil over corruption allegations.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to join talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, as the Ukrainian president said he wanted to 'intensify' peace negotiations.

'Bringing the end of the war closer with all our might is Ukraine's top priority,' Zelensky said, adding that efforts would also focus on resuming prisoner exchanges.

Turkey has maintained ties with both Kyiv and Moscow and has previously hosted talks between the two factions.

However, no Russian representative is set to join the meeting. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that while there were 'no concrete plans' for Putin to converse with Turkish or U.S. representatives, he remains 'open to a conversation.'

This meeting marks a critical point as Zelensky visits Ankara following significant diplomatic engagements in Athens, Paris, and Madrid, concluding key agreements that bolster Ukraine's military and energy capabilities as the conflict escalates.

Zelensky also faces significant domestic challenges; investigations into alleged corruption among his associates have led to resignations, prompting EU leaders to demand a firmer stance on reform before approving vital financial support for Ukraine.

As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion looms, peace negotiations remain fraught, with fundamental disagreements over territorial concessions between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly over regions like Donetsk and Luhansk.