Live Updates From the Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Türkiye

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already arrived in Ankara for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Zelenskyy had previously stated he was prepared to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in person in Istanbul on the same day, following Moscow’s call for direct negotiations.

However, it was reported that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was not on Russia’s delegation for the upcoming negotiations.

At the same time, Clash reported, citing a US official, that US President Donald Trump will also not attend the upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Stay with us for live updates.

17:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during a press conference in Ankara that Ukraine is sending a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to the Istanbul talks, where the main focus will be achieving a ceasefire.

He highlighted the low level of the Russian delegation but stressed that Ukraine participates “out of respect for Presidents Trump and Erdoğan.”

13:30

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Erdoğan have begun their meeting in Türkiye, the Anadolu Ajansı reported.

The talks are taking place at the presidential complex in Ankara.

13:15

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Erdoğan for organizing a platform for direct negotiations, while casting doubt on the seriousness of Russia’s participation.

“Ukraine is represented by a top-level delegation – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my Office, the military, and representatives of all our intelligence agencies – ready to make any decisions that could lead to a long-awaited just peace,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy confirmed that the day would begin with a bilateral meeting with Erdoğan and the Turkish delegation. He also noted ongoing coordination with the United States: “We are in contact with the US side – I believe they will be present in Türkiye at a high level as well.”

However, the Ukrainian leader questioned the legitimacy and seriousness of Russia’s delegation.

“I have not yet received official confirmation regarding the Russian level of representation. But from what we can observe, it appears theatrical,” Zelenskyy said. “We will decide on our next steps after the conversation with President Erdoğan.”

He added that the talks in Ankara would be critical.

“It is essential to understand the level of the Russian delegation, what mandate they hold, and whether they are authorized to make any decisions at all – because we all know who actually makes decisions in Russia,” Zelenskyy concluded.

13:10

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Zelenskyy appeared “pathetic” for demanding the personal presence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin at negotiations in Istanbul.

“Zelenskyy initially made some statements demanding that Putin attend in person [for Istanbul talks]. A pathetic man. Everyone understands this—except perhaps himself and those pulling his strings,” Lavrov said during a meeting of the Diplomatic Club.

13:00

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peace negotiations during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to Fahrettin Altun, head of the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate.

Altun added that Erdoğan plans to discuss all aspects of the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

12:40

The Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Ankara. The core group includes Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov.

12:10

Upon his arrival in Türkiye, Zelenskyy criticized the composition of the Russian delegation, comparing it to a theatrical performance.

“The level of the Russian delegation is similar to that of a mere facade. Further steps will be decided after the meeting with Erdoğan. We need to understand the mandate of the Russian representatives,” Zelenskyy said at the airport.

12:00

Zelenskyy arrived in Ankara for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to a source cited by RBC-Ukraine, the meeting between the two leaders is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

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