Ukraine continues preparations for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin in Turkey

In an assessment provided to a Ukrainian news agency, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that his contacts within the scope of the 2026 Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) offered significant opportunities. Sybiha expressed that his country attaches great importance to diplomatic relations under wartime conditions.

Recalling that he held numerous bilateral meetings during his participation in the forum, Sybiha emphasized that this is a way to develop new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations. He added that the ADF is a strategic platform for Ukraine's goal of remaining a focus of international attention.

A NEW ERA IN TURKEY-UKRAINE COOPERATION

Minister Sybiha stated that relations between Turkey and Ukraine are at a strategic level and that cooperation between the two countries is increasing rapidly. Underlining that Turkey is a NATO member with a strong military structure, Sybiha noted that Ukraine has also strengthened itself militarily in recent years.

Drawing attention to developments in the commercial sector, Sybiha said that the trade volume between Turkey and Ukraine grew by approximately 40 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. He pointed out that there are many untapped opportunities, stating that this potential should be further developed.

Within the framework of regional relations, Sybiha stated that alliances between the two countries should be supported and that new cooperation models, such as the example in Syria, could develop, expressing that Turkey and Ukraine have established mutually beneficial relations.

PREPARATIONS FOR A SUMMIT: TURKEY'S IMPORTANT ROLE

Sybiha emphasized that Turkey plays a highly effective role in diplomacy on international platforms, and that he had closely observed this effectiveness in the past while serving as an ambassador in Turkey. Stating that he finds Turkish diplomacy quite successful, Sybiha said that Turkey demonstrates high performance at the ambassadorial level and in its behind-the-scenes efforts.

Minister Sybiha stated that steps are being taken to enable a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, and that it might be possible for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former US President Donald Trump to participate in this meeting as well. Sybiha made the following assessment:

"We have approached Turkey to evaluate the possibility of organizing a meeting at the level of President Zelensky and Putin, with the potential participation of President Erdoğan and Trump. We are ready for this meeting. The only problem is that Putin is currently in hiding. The President of Ukraine is also ready for such a meeting. We want to end this war. We have effective proposals. We hope for a role for Turkey that can accelerate and contribute to the peace process."

While the Ukrainian administration continues its dialogue and diplomatic initiatives toward ending the war, it expects Turkey to remain at the center as a mediating actor.

News Source: 12punto