Erdogan, Zelenskyy to meet in Ankara as efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war intensify
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena attend the opening ceremony of the Ukrainian Embassy Service Building in Ankara, Turkiye on February 18, 2025. (Rasit Aydogan * AA)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet in Ankara on Tuesday, at a time when global diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war are increasing.
High-stakes diplomatic timing
Zelenskyy’s visit to Türkiye coincides with a high-level meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, marking the first direct talks between the two powers under the new U.S. administration.
The simultaneous timing of these discussions underscores the significance of Türkiye’s role in ongoing peace efforts.
Zelenskyy, who is currently on a diplomatic tour that includes the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, has described Türkiye as a “strategic partner.” His visit aims to strengthen defense and economic ties between Kyiv and Ankara.
Türkiye’s mediation role in Russia-Ukraine war
Türkiye has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the war and has facilitated several rounds of negotiations since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
It hosted the first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers in Antalya in March 2022 and later arranged expert-level peace negotiations in Istanbul.
The Turkish government has reiterated its commitment to playing a constructive role in mediation efforts. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently stated, “Türkiye is willing and ready to contribute to peace efforts and Ukraine’s reconstruction.”
Zelenskyy’s response to exclusion from US-Russia talks
Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to U.S.-Russia negotiations that exclude Ukraine.
Speaking in the UAE, he declared, “Ukraine does not recognize any agreements made without our participation. We will not accept any decisions concerning our future without our involvement.”
His visit to Türkiye comes amid growing international debate over how to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict and highlights Ukraine’s concerns about being sidelined in diplomatic processes.
Strategic and military cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine
Beyond peace efforts, discussions in Ankara are expected to focus on strengthening Türkiye-Ukraine defense cooperation. Since 2014, military collaboration between the two nations has intensified, with Türkiye supplying armed drones and other military technology to Ukraine.
A key element of this cooperation includes the establishment of a drone production facility in Ukraine by Turkish defense company Baykar, set to begin operations later this year.
Additionally, Türkiye has been constructing naval vessels for Ukraine, with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2026.
Economic and security partnerships
The leaders are also anticipated to discuss economic relations and Türkiye’s role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Türkiye has expressed interest in expanding trade with Ukraine and involving Turkish companies in rebuilding war-affected areas.
Zelenskyy’s previous visits to Türkiye in July 2023 and March 2024 emphasized military and economic ties.
