Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for US support, fair peace during Ankara visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for greater U.S. support and a more inclusive peace negotiation process, emphasizing that Ukraine must be actively involved in any discussions about ending the war.

Speaking at Ankara Esenboga Airport before departing Türkiye, Zelenskyy responded to questions from media outlets.

Seeking stronger US commitment

Zelenskyy expressed his hope for increased backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats is essential for Ukraine.

“I would like Trump to be more on our side. Many Republicans and Democrats support us, and I do not want to lose this support,” he said.

Addressing reports of U.S. engagement with Russia, he noted that the U.S. has the right to determine its own diplomatic relations but expressed concerns over Russia’s reintegration into global politics.

“We observe that they are removing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from political isolation, but that is their decision; they are negotiating,” Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine’s role in peace talks

Zelenskyy criticized efforts to negotiate an end to the war without Ukraine’s direct involvement, questioning where Ukraine stands in discussions about peace.

“When plans for ending the war are discussed, it raises questions for us. Where are we? Where is our seat at the table? This war is happening in Ukraine. Putin is killing Ukrainians, not Americans. Not Europeans. Ukrainians are dying,” he stated.

He emphasized that Ukraine must be part of any negotiations regarding the future of the war, rejecting any discussions held without Ukrainian representation.

“You can discuss whatever you want, but if you negotiate about us without us, we will not accept it,” he asserted.

Ukraine’s position on natural resources and economic relations

Addressing the U.S. request for rare elements, Zelenskyy firmly stated that Ukraine does not intend to become a raw material hub for any continent.

“We do not want to be a raw material center for any continent. Our constitution outlines our priorities, and as president, I will not violate it. I will protect our land and our interests,” he said.

Zelenskyy also highlighted the need to secure Ukraine’s occupied territories and protect its natural resources before welcoming foreign investments.

Pushing for lasting peace

During his visit, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace.

“We want a just peace, a lasting peace, a sustainable peace,” he stated. “The most important thing is to end this war as soon as possible in a fair manner.”

He acknowledged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and first lady Emine Erdogan for their diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance, particularly for welcoming Ukrainian orphans to Türkiye.

“Our discussions with President Erdogan have always been about concrete issues. Today, we had another focused negotiation. I cannot share all the details, but I can say I was pleased,” he said.

Ukraine’s NATO and EU aspirations

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO and the European Union, citing the need for long-term security and economic stability.

“We must join a large market like the European Union,” he said. “If NATO is not an option, then what security guarantees do we have? We have a strong army, but we need continuous support with weapons and funding.”

He acknowledged resistance from some NATO members but noted that most European leaders support Ukraine’s membership.

“Ninety-nine percent of European leaders support our NATO membership. However, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and the U.S. have yet to endorse it. But we understand the U.S. factor influences many decisions,” he added.

Ukraine-Türkiye cooperation

Highlighting defense cooperation with Türkiye, Zelenskyy pointed to agreements with Baykar and the construction of corvettes for Ukraine’s navy.

“We have collaborated with Baykar and Bayraktar. Offices have been established in Ukraine, and we continue discussions beyond just mutual procurement. Türkiye is also building two corvettes for Ukraine’s naval forces, one of which is completed, and the second will be finished in 2026,” he noted.

He emphasized that despite war-related delays, joint projects with Türkiye and other nations would continue.

“Russia has tried to destroy our motor industry with missile attacks, which affected our agreements with Türkiye and other countries. However, we have managed to rebuild and continue our work. We remain committed to these partnerships,” he said.

In a social media post on X, Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine greatly values ​​its relations with Türkiye and the fact that in this extraordinary time of war, we have the necessary mutual understanding and support. Thank you for the warm welcome, hospitality, and absolute constructiveness in the negotiations.”

“Today, together with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, we discussed in detail all the global processes that could lead to an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the importance of working together on security guarantees for Ukraine. Also, our bilateral relations, economic issues, the interaction between our societies in education, in many projects, food security, and work to return our prisoners held by Russia.”

“We thank Türkiye for all its support for our state and people, for its principled stance on issues related to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state,” he added.

Call for greater transparency in negotiations

Zelenskyy also criticized the lack of transparency in recent diplomatic talks, particularly discussions between the U.S. and Russia that excluded Ukraine.

“We do not want to lose trust in our partners. The lack of transparency in certain negotiations affects the psychological state of Ukrainians. They feel deceived,” he warned.

He concluded by affirming that Ukraine remains committed to fair and inclusive diplomacy, stating that any final peace agreement must involve all affected parties, particularly Ukraine.