Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara on May 15, 2025, preceding planned peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. The meeting underscores Turkey's continued efforts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Discussions in Ankara focused on potential paths toward a lasting peace. Zelensky emphasized the importance of understanding the mandate and decision-making capabilities of the Russian delegation. He expressed concerns about the seriousness of Russia's intentions, noting the absence of key decision-makers in their delegation.
Turkey has been actively involved in seeking to facilitate dialogue between Ukraine and Russia. Erdogan has maintained close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, positioning Turkey as a potential mediator. While supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, Turkey also seeks to maintain economic relations with Russia. The peace talks in Istanbul represent a continued effort to find a diplomatic solution, although expectations for a breakthrough remain low.