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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed organizing a four-way summit that would bring together the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the United States, according to statements released Friday.
Zelenskyy described their phone conversation as "good and very substantive" in a post on X, expressing gratitude to Türkiye for its "principled stance in supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that while a prisoner exchange achieved during previous peace talks in Istanbul was "important," meaningful progress toward resolution requires an immediate ceasefire. "The killings must stop," Zelenskyy said.
Both presidents are now evaluating conditions under which Ukraine would participate in a second round of negotiations in Istanbul. "We share the view that this meeting cannot and should not be empty," Zelenskyy stated.
Türkiye's Communications Directorate confirmed the phone call, saying Erdogan told his Ukrainian counterpart that leadership-level talks between Ukraine and Russia following delegation negotiations would benefit the peace process. The Turkish president reiterated that Ankara would continue working toward "a just and lasting peace between Kyiv and Moscow."
The diplomatic outreach comes after Türkiye hosted initial talks in May that resulted in a large-scale prisoner swap but failed to produce a cease-fire agreement. Russia and Ukraine are expected to send delegations to Istanbul again for continued negotiations.
The leaders also discussed Türkiye's participation in the upcoming Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. "I'm grateful for the steps and ideas that can bring the necessary results," Zelenskyy said.
Türkiye has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia while supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity.
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